How does weather radar detect precipitation?
Weather radar detects precipitation by emitting radio waves that reflect off raindrops, snowflakes, and hailstones. The radar measures the time it takes for the waves to return and the strength of the returned signal to determine the location, intensity, and type of precipitation.
What are the limitations of weather radar technology?
Weather radar technology has limitations, including inaccuracies due to ground clutter, signal attenuation in heavy rain, and limitations in detecting precipitation at higher altitudes or distant areas. Additionally, it can struggle with differentiating between types of precipitation and may be less effective in mountainous regions due to beam blockage.
What is the range of a typical weather radar system?
The range of a typical weather radar system is generally about 230 to 460 kilometres, depending on the system's power and the atmospheric conditions.
How is weather radar used to track storm movement?
Weather radar tracks storm movement by emitting pulses of microwave radiation, which reflect off precipitation particles. The radar measures the time delay and strength of the returned signals to determine the location, intensity, and speed of the storm. Doppler radar also measures the frequency shift to detect wind motion. This data is processed to map and predict the storm's path.
How does weather radar differentiate between rain, snow, and hail?
Weather radar differentiates between rain, snow, and hail by analysing the size, shape, and velocity of the precipitation particles through returned radar signals. Dual-polarisation radar can further distinguish between different types of precipitation by sending and receiving both horizontal and vertical pulses.