Consider the following activities:

In how many of the above activities can the radars be used?

(a) Only one
(b) Only two
(c) All three
(d) None

Correct Answer: (b) Only two

Identification of narcotics on passengers at airports or in aircraft: Radars are not typically used for this purpose. Instead, specialized technologies such as X-ray scanners, chemical trace-detection techniques, and behavioral analysis are employed for identifying narcotics on passengers .
Monitoring of precipitation: Radars are extensively used for monitoring precipitation. Weather radars, including Doppler weather radars, are designed to locate precipitation, calculate its motion, and estimate its type (rain, snow, hail, etc.). These radars provide high spatial and temporal resolution data, which is crucial for hydrological and meteorological applications.
Tracking the migration of animals: Radars are used to track the migration of animals, including birds, bats, and insects. Advanced radar systems can distinguish between different biological targets and provide valuable data on the timing, spatial distribution, and behavioral patterns of migrating animals .

Radar Technology: Radar stands for Radio Detection and Ranging. It works by emitting a pulse of radio waves that bounce off objects and return to the radar system, allowing it to detect and locate objects.
Weather Radars: These radars are used to monitor and predict weather conditions. They can detect precipitation, its intensity, and movement. Doppler weather radars can also measure the velocity of precipitation particles, providing insights into storm dynamics and potential severe weather events.
Animal Migration Tracking: Radars have been used since the 1940s to study the aerial movements of animals. Modern radar systems can track large-scale movements of birds, bats, and insects, providing data on migration patterns, altitude preferences, and responses to environmental conditions. This information is crucial for conservation efforts and understanding ecological dynamics.
Airport Surveillance Radars: These radars are used to detect and display the presence and position of aircraft in the airspace around airports. They ensure safe and orderly flow of air traffic by providing real-time data to air traffic controllers.
Limitations of Radar: While radars are versatile, they have limitations. For instance, primary radars cannot distinguish between different types of objects, and secondary radars require transponders on aircraft to provide additional information. Radars also face challenges in detecting small or low-reflectivity objects.