Radar shadowing is caused by which terrain feature?

Radar shadowing is caused by which terrain feature?

• A. Mountain ranges
• B. River deltas
• C. Plateaus
• D. Urban areas

Answer: (A)

Radar shadowing happens when terrain blocks the path of the radar beam, so areas lying behind the obstruction are not illuminated and give little or no returns. Tall, extensive elevations form the most effective barriers, and mountain ranges fit that description well. They present a continuous, high relief that can intercept the radar line of sight for large areas behind them, creating a clear shadow region on the far side. River deltas are relatively low and unlikely to obstruct the beam; plateaus can cause some obstruction depending on geometry but generally don’t create as wide or as persistent a shadow as mountain ranges; urban areas may affect clutter or multipath but don’t produce a true terrain shadow in the same sense.

Radar shadowing happens when terrain blocks the path of the radar beam, so areas lying behind the obstruction are not illuminated and give little or no returns. Tall, extensive elevations form the most effective barriers, and mountain ranges fit that description well. They present a continuous, high relief that can intercept the radar line of sight for large areas behind them, creating a clear shadow region on the far side. River deltas are relatively low and unlikely to obstruct the beam; plateaus can cause some obstruction depending on geometry but generally don’t create as wide or as persistent a shadow as mountain ranges; urban areas may affect clutter or multipath but don’t produce a true terrain shadow in the same sense.