Sometimes a pilot may report that the radio altimeter may start indicating altitudes in the rad alt range (0-2500 ft.) at altitudes between 18000-20000 feet. This frequently occurs when flying over a reflective surface such as calm water. What occurs with second time around acquisition is that the receiver detects a return signal that was transmitted two pulses earlier not the transmitted signal it should be receiving. The time between transmitted pulses is equal to a distance in the 18000-20000 ft. range. Therefore, the receiver may process it as though it was signal it was actually trying to receive and then display the incorrect altitude.