What does a greater degree of attenuation indicate about the radar signal?

A greater degree of attenuation indicates that the radar signal is weakened as it travels through the atmosphere. Attenuation refers to the reduction in the strength of the radar signal due to various factors, including absorption and scattering by precipitation, water droplets, or atmospheric particles. When a signal experiences significant attenuation, it implies that much of its energy has been absorbed or scattered, resulting in a decreased intensity of the return signal received by the radar.

This concept is essential in radar meteorology because it helps meteorologists understand the density and distribution of precipitation. When there is a high level of attenuation, it can indicate that the radar is detecting a significant amount of rain, hail, or other hydrometeors, thus helping in interpreting the intensity of weather events. The other options do not directly address the relationship between attenuation and the weakening of the radar signal, making the chosen answer the most appropriate in this context.