What is the effect of scattering on a radio wave?

In radio propagation, scattering occurs when a radio wave strikes a diffuse or irregular medium, such as heavy rain, foliage, or atmospheric turbulence. Instead of bouncing cleanly like a mirror, the wave's energy is broken up and spread out in multiple directions. This is distinctly different from other propagation mechanisms. An abrupt change of direction describes 'reflection,' while a gradual bending of the wave describes 'refraction.' Absorption means the medium simply consumes the RF energy, turning it into heat. Because the scattered wave is dispersed in many directions, only a small fraction of the original signal energy will reach the receiving antenna, making scattered signals typically quite weak but useful for beyond-line-of-sight communication.