On the possibility of the existence of a surface electromagnetic wave in the permafrost area

The results of measurements of the vertical component of electric field at a radio path with the permafrost at a frequency of 255 kHz have been interpreted. An analysis of the results has shown that the considered radio path exhibits the properties of a two-part impedance surface, i.e., it consists of two sections. At a distance of 70 km from a radiation source and at a frequency of 255 kHz of the electromagnetic wave, the field decreases with the distance $R$ according to the power law as $R^{-1.5}$ and a power index takes an intermediate value between the power indices for decreasing the field in free space $R^{-2}$ and for the decrease in the field above an ideal conducting surface $R^{-1}$. With further propagation at a distance of 70–220 km, the field shows the specific behavior of a surface electromagnetic wave.