Barry,
Ground radials are generally buried, but they can be on top of the
ground as mine are too. Instead of having rods in the ground, you can
have wires running in a certain direction to enhance a vertical or other
types of antenna. They are tied to the ground side of the matching
transformer where the rods would connect. Straight wires going out as
long as you want them in different directions.
73s,
Patrick
Patrick Martin
Seaside OR
KAVT Reception Manager