Bright band

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-000371",
  "term": "Bright band",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "A distinct horizontal layer of enhanced radar reflectivity observed in precipitation, typically located just below the melting level in stratiform clouds. It is caused by the increased reflectivity of melting snowflakes, which are larger and have a higher dielectric constant than either ice crystals or raindrops. This phenomenon is a clear indicator of the melting layer.",
    "1. A distinct feature observed by a radar that denotes the freezing level of the atmosphere. The term originates from a horizontal band of enhanced reflectivity that can result when a radar antenna scans vertically through precipitation. The freezing level in a cloud contains ice particles that are coated with liquid water. These particles reflect significantly more radiation (appearing to the radar as large raindrops) than the portions of the cloud above and below the freezing layer. The bright band can affect the ability of the NEXRAD algorithms to produce accurate rainfall estimates at far ranges because the algorithm may interpret reflectivity from the bright band as an overestimate of precipitation reaching the surface.\n\n2. The enhanced radar echo of snow as it melts to rain."
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "radar reflectivity"
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/bright-band/"
}