Beam filling

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-000306",
  "term": "Beam filling",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "An effect in remote sensing where the volume sampled by a sensor's beam contains a mixture of different atmospheric or surface conditions. This can lead to an averaged measurement that does not accurately represent the true variability within the beam's footprint. It is a common issue in satellite and radar observations, particularly when observing heterogeneous scenes.",
    "The measure of variation of hydrometeor density throughout the radar sampling volume. If there is no variation in density, the beam is considered to be filled."
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/beam-filling/"
}