How can atmospheric conditions affect radar signal performance?

Atmospheric conditions play a significant role in radar signal performance by influencing the propagation of radar waves. Factors such as humidity, precipitation, temperature, and atmospheric pressure can lead to various scenarios that degrade signal quality.

For instance, high humidity and precipitation can absorb and scatter radar signals, reducing their range and clarity. When radar waves encounter water droplets or ice crystals in the atmosphere, they can scatter in different directions, making it difficult for the radar system to accurately interpret the reflected signals from targets. This scattering can lead to a loss of signal strength and fidelity, which in turn affects the radar's ability to detect and track objects.

Furthermore, different layers of the atmosphere can create conditions where radar signals may bend or refract, also contributing to degradation in performance. In contrast, clear atmospheric conditions tend to support better signal transmission and reception. Hence, the correct answer highlights the various ways that atmospheric conditions can lead to signal degradation, scattering, and potential signal loss, impacting the overall effectiveness of radar technology.