MLchartDataset catalogue

Radar duct

Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-008264

A layer in the atmosphere where atmospheric refractivity decreases with height at a rate greater than the Earth's curvature, causing radar waves to be trapped and propagate over abnormally long distances. This phenomenon, known as superrefraction, can lead to extended detection ranges or ground clutter in radar observations. Ducts are often associated with strong temperature inversions and moisture gradients.

Table 1. Record
IdentifierMLC-T-MET-008264
FieldMeteorology and atmospheric science
See alsoDuct; Radio duct
Record as JSON
{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-008264",
  "term": "Radar duct",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "A layer in the atmosphere where atmospheric refractivity decreases with height at a rate greater than the Earth's curvature, causing radar waves to be trapped and propagate over abnormally long distances. This phenomenon, known as superrefraction, can lead to extended detection ranges or ground clutter in radar observations. Ducts are often associated with strong temperature inversions and moisture gradients.",
  "see_also": [
    "duct",
    "Radio duct"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/radar-duct/"
}

Record 7,656 of 10,816 in Meteorology and atmospheric science terminology (MLC-0110). Request the full dataset.