Questions and Answers
What is a Radar Summary Chart?
A computer-generated mosaic of radar echo intensity contours based on Radar Weather Reports over the contiguous U.S.
What types of information are reported in a Radar Summary Chart?
Possible precipitation types, cell movements, maximum tops, location of line echoes, and remarks.
Severe thunderstorm and tornado watches are plotted if they are in effect when the chart is valid.
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What is included in the format of Radar Summary Charts?
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What does the letter R stand for in weather reports?
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What does the abbreviation RW mean?
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What does the letter S indicate in weather reports?
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What does the abbreviation SW stand for?
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What does the letter T represent in weather terms?
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What does NA mean in a weather chart?
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What does NE stand for in weather reporting?
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What does OM mean in a weather context?
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Define cell movement in radar terms.
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Radar has the ability to see clouds.
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Radar can detect precipitation cell direction and speed.
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What is meant by Maximum Top in weather radar?
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Maximum tops can report the top of a cloud.
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How does a Radar Summary Chart aid in preflight planning?
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The absence of echoes means the weather is clear.
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Study Notes
Radar Summary Chart Overview
- Computer-generated mosaic displaying radar echo intensity contours across the contiguous U.S.
- Utilizes Radar Weather Reports for comprehensive weather analysis.
Elements Reported in Radar Summary Charts
- Precipitation types (rain, snow, thunderstorms) and their respective movements.
- Maximum tops of precipitation echoes and locations of line echoes.
- Additional remarks enhance interpretability of the data.
Severe Weather Indicators
- Severe thunderstorm and tornado watches are included if active during the chart's validity period.
Chart Format Details
- Displays precipitation type, intensity, coverage, movement, echoes, and maximum tops for easy reference.
Precipitation Abbreviations
- R: Rain
- RW: Rain shower
- S: Snow
- SW: Snow shower
- T: Thunderstorms
- NA: Not available
- NE: No echoes
- OM: Out for maintenance
Cell Movement Information
- Refers to the average motion of all precipitation cells within the displayed configuration.
Radar Capabilities
- Radar does not have the ability to detect clouds.
- Capable of observing precipitation cells, including their direction and speed.
Maximum Tops Data
- Represents the altitude of the highest precipitation echo, possibly enhanced by satellite data.
- Cannot provide altitude for cloud tops, only for precipitation.
Usage of Radar Summary Charts
- Essential tool for preflight planning, aiding in identifying precipitation and its characteristics.
Interpretation Notes
- Absence of echoes on a radar summary does not guarantee clear weather conditions.
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Description
This quiz covers the essential components of radar summary charts, including precipitation types, movements, and severe weather indicators. Participants will learn to interpret data on radar echoes and understand the relevance of various abbreviations used in meteorological reports.
