Which radar band is most sensitive to Bragg scattering?

Bragg scattering occurs when electromagnetic waves interact with small, periodic structures in the atmosphere, such as the turbulent elements of the atmosphere or various hydrometeors. The sensitivity to Bragg scattering is highly influenced by the wavelength of the radar used.

L-band radar, which operates at a longer wavelength compared to the other bands mentioned, is more effective in detecting these smaller scale turbulent structures due to its longer wavelength nature. The larger the wavelength, the more likely it is to interact with the size scales associated with these structures.

When comparing the different radar bands, L-band provides the optimal wavelength for capturing the variability of small-scale turbulent motions, which are the source of Bragg scattering effects. Therefore, it is the most sensitive to such scattering phenomena, making it the correct answer. In contrast, S-band, X-band, and Ka-band are less effective in detecting these smaller scale structures due to their shorter wavelengths, which can lead to different scattering mechanisms dominating in those ranges.