What Is dBZ?
The unit for radar reflectivity. Around 20 is light rain, 40 is moderate to heavy, and above 60 usually means hail. In technical terms: Decibels of reflectivity factor Z relative to 1 mm^6/m^3 (dBZ = 10 log10 Z); in rain Z is proportional to the sixth power of drop diameter summed per unit volume, so large particles dominate.
Also called: Decibels Of Z
dBZ In Plain English
The unit for radar reflectivity. Around 20 is light rain, 40 is moderate to heavy, and above 60 usually means hail.
The Technical Definition
Decibels of reflectivity factor Z relative to 1 mm^6/m^3 (dBZ = 10 log10 Z); in rain Z is proportional to the sixth power of drop diameter summed per unit volume, so large particles dominate. Typical thresholds: 5-20 dBZ drizzle/snow, 30-45 rain, over 55-60 hail.
Lessons That Use dBZ
- Reading Reflectivity (dBZ) Unit 12: Radar Science
