What does Bragg scattering typically exhibit in reflectivity?

Bragg scattering occurs when radar waves are scattered by small, uniform-sized particles such as those often found in the atmosphere. This type of scattering can be characterized by its relatively weak reflectivity, often resulting in values that are less than 2 dBz. In this scenario, the small particles do not reflect a significant amount of energy back to the radar compared to larger hydrometeors, which results in low reflectivity readings.

Bragg scattering is particularly relevant in the context of atmospheric radar measurements, as it often indicates the presence of background noise or light precipitation rather than heavier precipitation or significant hydrometeor populations. Consequently, recognizing that Bragg scattering typically exhibits reflectivity values less than 2 dBz helps meteorologists differentiate between normal atmospheric conditions and areas of more intense precipitation.