For small hydrometeors, which is more reflective?

In the context of radar reflectivity, small hydrometeors such as water droplets are more reflective compared to ice crystals. This is primarily due to the differences in their physical properties, particularly their composition and size.

Water has a higher dielectric constant than ice, which means that it can reflect radar beams more effectively. When radar waves encounter these hydrometeors, water droplets scatter the radar energy more efficiently because they can be closer in size to the wavelength of the radar used. This larger scattering ability makes water droplets more prominent on radar displays, leading to stronger returns.

Conversely, although ice can also reflect radar waves, it tends to be less effective in terms of reflectivity, particularly when considering small hydrometeors. Ice crystals may have shapes and densities that scatter radar waves differently, often resulting in weaker returns compared to their water counterparts.

Therefore, when assessing the reflective properties of small hydrometeors, water is recognized as more reflective than ice.