Very low frequency because VLF waves are reflected from the bottom of the ionosphere, while higher frequency shortwave signals are returned to Earth from higher layers in the ionosphere, the F1 and F2 layers, by a refraction process, and spend most of their journey in the ionosphere, so they are much more affected by ionization gradients and turbulence. Therefore, VLF transmissions are very stable and reliable, and are used for long distance communication. Propagation distances of 5000 to 20000 km have been realized. However, atmospheric noise (sferics) is high in the band, including such phenomena as "whistlers", caused by lightning. VLF waves can
Coast earth station Earth station (article 1.63) Coast earth station Coast earth station, also called the coast earth radio station is – according to "article 1.76" of the International Telecommunication Union´s (ITU) ITU Radio Regulations (RR) – defined as «"An earth station in the fixed-satellite service or, in some cases, in the maritime mobile-satellite service, located at a specified fixed point on land to provide a feeder link for the maritime mobile-satellite service".» Each "radio station" shall be classified by the "service" in which it operates permanently or temporarily. In accordance with "ITU Radio Regulations" (article 1) this type of "radio station" might