| There is science behind predicting the weather. | | | | sounds that vary depending on the ambulance's |
| When we hear a weather report, there is actually | | | | location. Doppler radar uses this technology to help |
| a process behind it. Weather radars are essential | | | | predict and understand the weather. |
| to meteorology and the art of predicting the | | | | Doppler radar is more accurate than the older |
| weather. Some use microwave signals and still | | | | style radars. In these radars, the signal is sent out |
| others use the Doppler Effect. | | | | to the target in a pulsating pattern, which made |
| The weather radars that use microwave signals | | | | for a less accurate read. In Doppler radar, the |
| have been around since the 1950's. Their chief | | | | signal is sent out at a more constant rate. The |
| role is to detect both the location and intensity of | | | | Doppler Effect then shifts the signal as it is |
| any precipitation. To do this the radar, which | | | | returning. The amount of the signal shift will |
| stands for radar direction and range, emits a | | | | depend on the speed of the target. The signal is |
| signal that is reflected back by the target. In this | | | | then picked up and interpreted with a higher |
| case, the target is the precipitation. When the | | | | accuracy than with the older radars. |
| precipitation is larger and/or has a higher density, | | | | Weather radars are an important aspect of |
| the rate of reflection will also be greater. Once | | | | meteorology. Often, when we see a weather |
| the signal gets reflected, a special antenna picks it | | | | report, we are shown the Doppler radar's |
| up. | | | | information. Doppler radar tends to be more |
| Doppler radars use the Doppler Effect. The | | | | accurate than older weather radars. However, |
| Doppler Effect signifies a change or shift, in a | | | | despite these advancements, a storm can be |
| given frequency or wavelength.. A classic example | | | | unpredictable, so there is still an amount of chance |
| is when an ambulance goes by. Because of the | | | | present when trusting a report. |
| Doppler Effect, our ears will hear two different | | | | |