What does reflectivity radar measure?

The Local Radar base reflectivity product is a display of echo intensity (reflectivity) measured in dBZ (decibels). “Reflectivity” is the amount of transmitted power returned to the radar receiver after hitting precipitation, compared to a reference power density at a distance of 1 meter from the radar antenna .

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How does a radar detect frequency?

The reflected radar signal is measured by the radar’s receiver with a change in frequency . That frequency shift is directly related to the motion of the raindrops. When a storm is stationary, the transmitted energy and the reflected energy or “echo” will not change, as shown below.

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