True or False: ZDR is sensitive to the water phase.

ZDR, or differential reflectivity, is indeed sensitive to the water phase. This parameter measures the difference in reflectivity between horizontally and vertically polarized radar beams, which allows for the determination of the hydrometeor shape, orientation, and phase. Because different phases of water, such as liquid water droplets, ice crystals, or mixed-phase particles, have distinct shapes and sizes, they can influence ZDR readings significantly.

For example, raindrops, which are typically spherical, will exhibit a different ZDR than ice particles, which can be more irregularly shaped and have complex orientations. Thus, ZDR effectively provides insight into the type of precipitation present, whether it be rain, snow, or mixed-phase, making it a valuable tool for meteorologists in understanding weather patterns.

The other options suggest scenarios where ZDR might not be sensitive to the water phase or limit its sensitivity to certain conditions, which does not accurately reflect the broader applicability of ZDR to various hydrometeor types. Therefore, recognizing ZDR's sensitivity to the water phase is crucial for proper interpretation of radar data in meteorology.