What Is Anomalous Propagation?
When layers of warm or cold air bend the radar beam down toward the ground, so the radar shows "echoes" that are really just the ground, buildings, or waves. In technical terms: Non-standard refraction of the radar beam caused by strong vertical gradients of refractivity, usually a temperature inversion with a sharp moisture lapse.
Also called: AP, Anaprop
Anomalous Propagation In Plain English
When layers of warm or cold air bend the radar beam down toward the ground, so the radar shows "echoes" that are really just the ground, buildings, or waves.
The Technical Definition
Non-standard refraction of the radar beam caused by strong vertical gradients of refractivity, usually a temperature inversion with a sharp moisture lapse; superrefraction or ducting bends the beam into the surface, producing false ground returns with near-zero velocity and low correlation coefficient.
Lessons That Use Anomalous Propagation
- Reading Reflectivity (dBZ) Unit 12: Radar Science
