How does weather affect the effectiveness of primary radar compared to secondary radar?

• A. Primary radar is significantly affected by weather
• B. Secondary radar works better in all weather
• C. Both systems are equally affected by severe weather
• D. Primary radar operates at higher frequencies

Answer: (A)

Primary radar's effectiveness is significantly influenced by weather conditions primarily due to the way it operates. It transmits radio waves which are then reflected off targets like aircraft and other objects. However, weather phenomena such as precipitation, moisture, and turbulent air can scatter or absorb these radar waves, leading to reduced detection ranges and increased uncertainty in target information. For instance, heavy rain can cause attenuation of the signal, making it harder for the radar system to identify and track aircraft effectively.

In contrast, secondary radar utilizes transponders onboard aircraft to send data back to the radar system. This means it is less affected by weather since it relies on returning signals from the transponders rather than the reflection of emitted waves. Thus, while both systems may experience some degree of weather influence, primary radar's performance is notably more compromised, especially in adverse weather situations. This distinction highlights why the chosen answer effectively reflects the relationship between weather conditions and the operation of primary radar.