Electromagnetic (EM) signals can only be transmitted through seawater for short distances (<1 m) for frequencies (>1 MHz). Therefore a new technique, the ionic current wave (ICW), has been developed for signal propagation at MHz frequency. This technique uses the conduction current
produced in seawater as a result of thermal ionisation releasing H+ and OH– ions. A small voltage (<1.5 V pk) is applied between two metal electrodes submerged in the seawater to avoid ionisation by the input electrical energy.<br/> A detailed theoretical
analysis of the ICW process has shown that ionic currents can be transmitted at MHz frequency over distances of 10 m with low signal loss per decade. For longer propagation distances of 100 m the theory predicts a signal loss of –20 dB per decade.<br/> Propagation experiments have
been carried out in Liverpool dock seawater for distances of 2 m–28 m between parallel 0.5 m × 0.3 m electrodes placed vertically in the seawater at a depth of 2 m. Signal frequencies within the range of 1 MHz–8 MHz have been investigated. In each experiment the received
propa gated signal power was approximately –67 dBm (well above the dock electrical noise of –140 dBm) and only showed a small power loss over the full range of propagation.<br/> The ICW system will be able to measure longer propagation distances in deep seawater conditions
suitable for ship and submarine communications. Its performance is comparable to that of sonar systems.