What Is Base Reflectivity?
The standard radar picture showing how much energy bounces back from rain, snow, or hail at one beam angle. Brighter colors mean heavier precipitation. In technical terms: The reflectivity factor (dBZ) measured on a single elevation scan, most often the lowest tilt (0.5 degrees on WSR-88D), representing hydrometeor backscatter at the height of the beam at each range.
Also called: Reflectivity, Z
Base Reflectivity In Plain English
The standard radar picture showing how much energy bounces back from rain, snow, or hail at one beam angle. Brighter colors mean heavier precipitation.
The Technical Definition
The reflectivity factor (dBZ) measured on a single elevation scan, most often the lowest tilt (0.5 degrees on WSR-88D), representing hydrometeor backscatter at the height of the beam at each range.
