If a radar beam has been fully attenuated, the radar display will show a radar shadow.

If a radar beam has been fully attenuated, the radar display will show a radar shadow.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Radar blackout
• D. No effect

Answer: (A)

Attenuation of radar energy means the signal loses all its energy in the path. If the beam is fully absorbed by something—like very heavy precipitation or an obstruction—there are no echoes returning from beyond that point. On the radar display, that area appears dark because no signal is received to produce a return, which is what we call a radar shadow. So, the statement is true because full attenuation creates a distinct shadow behind the attenuating region. If attenuation were only partial, you’d get weak or partial echoes instead of a complete shadow. The idea of a blackout suggests a total loss of the radar system, not a localized shadow, and no effect would ignore the visible dark area created by full attenuation.

Attenuation of radar energy means the signal loses all its energy in the path. If the beam is fully absorbed by something—like very heavy precipitation or an obstruction—there are no echoes returning from beyond that point. On the radar display, that area appears dark because no signal is received to produce a return, which is what we call a radar shadow. So, the statement is true because full attenuation creates a distinct shadow behind the attenuating region. If attenuation were only partial, you’d get weak or partial echoes instead of a complete shadow. The idea of a blackout suggests a total loss of the radar system, not a localized shadow, and no effect would ignore the visible dark area created by full attenuation.