What is a characteristic of X-band radar in terms of precipitation detection?

X-band radar is particularly known for its susceptibility to attenuation when it comes to precipitation detection. Attenuation refers to the weakening of radar signals as they pass through rain or other forms of precipitation. Higher frequency radars, like X-band, experience greater attenuation compared to lower frequency bands such as C-band or S-band. This is primarily because the signals at higher frequencies are absorbed more readily by raindrops, which may lead to difficulties in accurately gauging precipitation intensity and distance.

While X-band radar can provide high-resolution data and is effective in capturing fine-scale features of storms, its limitation in terms of longer ranges and accurate detection of lighter precipitation is significant. This means that for effective operational use, particularly in areas of heavy rainfall, the beam may not penetrate as effectively, resulting in the loss of signal and required adjustments in data interpretation. Thus, the characteristic highlighting X-band radar's susceptibility to attenuation directly addresses its limitations and crucial operational considerations in meteorological applications.