What term describes the initial targeting error observed in the first impact of artillery?

The term that describes the initial targeting error observed in the first impact of artillery is "splash." This term refers specifically to the point on the ground where the first round of artillery lands, and it denotes the effect of the round's fall, including any deviation from the intended target. The splash is an essential consideration for fire support because it allows forward observers and artillery crews to assess the effectiveness of the fire mission and make necessary adjustments for subsequent rounds.

Understanding this concept is crucial for improving the accuracy of subsequent fire missions, as the initial splash provides the necessary feedback to correct any inaccuracies in targeting. Corrective measures can then be applied based on this initial observation to ensure that the artillery rounds better impact the intended target in subsequent engagements.