[--MAIN HOME--] [--ALL HABYHINTS--] [--FACEBOOK PAGE--] WHAT IS “GROUND CLUTTER”? METEOROLOGIST JEFF HABY Ground clutter is a common reference that will be made when examining weather radar. What typically needs to be observed on weather radar is hydrometeors such as rain, hail and snow. Other substances that don’t necessarily need to be detected on weather radar are also detected such as bugs, particulates, birds, objects at ground level, aircraft, and dust. Ground clutter shows up best near the radar site since the radar beam trajectory takes it from close to the surface at the radar site to higher elevations moving away from the radar site. Thus, a ring of ground clutter objects can show up near the radar site. Most ground cluttering matter will be relatively close to ground level. Software programs can remove much of the ground clutter but ground clutter can still be an issue, especially when the density profile of the atmosphere helps keep the radar beam near the ground. One way the ground clutter issue is dealt with is by the use of multiple radars. This can help determine the characteristics of the ground clutter and if hydrometeors are also present in that area.