Other Names
None
Definition
The property of illuminated objects to reradiate a
portion of the incident microwave energy.
Radar Reflectivity, in general, refers to a measure of
the efficiency of a radar target in intercepting and returning
radio energy. It depends upon the size, shape, aspect, and
dielectric properties of the target. It includes not only the
effects of reflection but also scattering and diffraction. In
particular, the radar reflectivity of a meteorological target
depends upon such factors as 1) the number of hydrometeors per
unit volume; 2) the sizes of the hydrometeors; 3) the physical
state of the hydrometeors (ice or water); 4) the shape or
shapes and orientations of the individual elements of the
group; and 5) if asymmetrical, their aspect with respect to the
radar. The radar reflectivity has dimensions of area per unit
volume (e.g. cm
2
/cm
3
, m
2
/m
3
, cm
-1
or m
-1
).
Applications
1. Algorithm development
Spectrum
Radio (0.4 - 30 cm)
GES DISC Datasets
Atmos Composition
