Refraction

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-002293",
  "term": "Refraction",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "The change in direction of a wave, such as light or sound, as it propagates from one medium into another with a different propagation speed. This bending occurs at the interface between the two media. In the atmosphere, it causes celestial objects to appear higher in the sky than their true position.",
    "Changes in the direction of energy propagation as a result of density changes within the propagating medium. In weather terms, this is important on determining how a radar beam reacts in the atmosphere."
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "atmospheric refraction",
    "refractive index",
    "diffraction",
    "scattering"
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/refraction/"
}