FAA Ground School Practice Test

What type of radar is typically used to detect thunderstorms?

1. Ground-based radar

2. Weather satellite imagery

3. Doppler radar

4. Infrared radar

The correct answer is: Doppler radar

Doppler radar is specifically designed to detect not only precipitation but also the movement of particles within a storm, which is crucial for identifying the strengths and velocities of wind patterns associated with thunderstorms. This capability allows pilots and meteorologists to monitor storm formations and movements and provides vital information about the potential severity of the weather events. Unlike ground-based radar, which can give a picture of precipitation intensity but may not provide as much detail regarding its motion, Doppler radar offers real-time data that is essential for tracking storms as they develop. Additionally, while weather satellite imagery can show cloud cover and storm systems, it does not provide the high-resolution detail about precipitation and wind movement that Doppler radar does. Infrared radar, on the other hand, is more suitable for temperature measurements and may not give the necessary detail on storm dynamics. Thus, Doppler radar stands out as the most effective tool for detecting thunderstorms due to its ability to analyze both precipitation and wind patterns comprehensively.