Technician 2026-2030T3C04
Which of the following types of propagation is most commonly associated with occasional strong signals on the 10-, 6-, and 2-meter bands from beyond the radio horizon?
B
Answer
Radio wave propagation
Type
A
Backscatter
B
Sporadic E
C
D region absorption
D
Gray-line propagation
Answer Notes
Sporadic E is a type of propagation where temporary, highly ionized clouds form in the E region of the ionosphere. These clouds can act like a mirror for higher frequency signals that would normally pass straight into space, abruptly enabling long-distance contacts.
This phenomenon is particularly famous for opening up the 10-meter, 6-meter, and occasionally 2-meter bands for hundreds or thousands of miles. It is most common during the summer months but can happen anytime, completely surprising operators with suddenly strong, crystal-clear signals from far beyond the normal radio horizon.
Previous · T3C03
What is one characteristic of VHF signals received via auroral backscatter?
Next · T3C05
Which of the following effects may allow radio signals to travel beyond obstructions between the transmitting and receiving stations?