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NEXRAD ANOMALY: CHAFF
"Chaff" is a metal foil or substance dispensed by warplanes to confuse enemy radar. As
the warplane dispenses the metalic chaff, the radar of an enemy plane or missile has a
much harder time determining exactly where the warplane is. Not only is this used
in hostile situations overseas, it is often used by the U.S. military during training
exercises.
Just as chaff confuses enemy radar, so to can it confuse NEXRAD. In the image above,
a warplane over Florida dispensed chaff which appeared as above to NEXRAD. Usually
this is done over non-populated areas, open seas, or within Military Operating Areas (MOAs), but
since it is dispensed at altitude it can expand like a cloud and be blown downwind.
Like a cloud, it can remain on radar for quite some time before it disipates.
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