Popping (computer graphics)

In 3D computer graphics, popping refers to an undesirable visual effect that occurs when the transition of a 3D object to a different pre-calculated level of detail (LOD) is abrupt and obvious to the viewer. The LOD-ing algorithm reduces the geometrical complexity of a 3D object the further it is from the viewer and returns that lost complexity as the viewer gets closer to the 3D object, causing it to pop as it becomes suddenly more detailed.

Source: Wikipedia — Popping (computer graphics) (CC BY-SA 4.0)