Atmospheric Noise Interference to Medium Wave Broadcasting

A brief description is given of the typical tropical thundercloud and the electrical discharges associated with it. The discharge that contributes significantly to noise in the medium waveband is described in greater detail. There follows a systematic physical analysis of how the atmospheric noise impulse as heard by the ear arises and how it causes annoyance to the listener of broadcast programs. Hence, criteria are developed both for the measurement and estimation of atmospheric noise in the band. The method of analysis is similar to the one adopted by the author in a previous communication on atmospheric noise interference to short wave broadcasting. The results of the investigation are expected to hold over the frequency range, 0.23 to 2.5 mc.