Vocabulary

Anomalous Propagation: The abnormal bending of the radar beam which produces non-precipitation echoes on the radarscope.
Doppler Radar: A radar which measures target motions toward or away from the radar site.
Echo: A reflected radar signal appearing on the radarscope.
Ground Clutter: Strong reflected radar signals from hills, buildings, and other targets surrounding the radar site.
Precipitation: Liquid or solid (ice) water particles that fall through the atmosphere, e.g., rain, sleet, snow, hail, etc.
RADAR: An acronym for RAdio Detection And Ranging. The radio sends a directed signal into the atmosphere, then listens for its echo from a target. Echoes are displayed on a radarscope to provide information about the location and intensity of precipitation.
Radar Beam: The directed pulse of radio energy that is transmitted outward from the radar antenna.
Radarscope: A television-like display screen which displays precipitation echoes.