The radar returns from thunderstorms are often which of the following?

The radar returns from thunderstorms are frequently smaller than the actual cumulonimbus cloud. This is due to the way radar works and the nature of the thunderstorms. Radar systems detect precipitation by sending out radio waves that bounce off precipitation particles such as raindrops, hail, and other hydrometeors.

Cumulonimbus clouds can extend high into the atmosphere with significant vertical development, often creating a larger volume of cloud compared to what is reflected in the radar returns. This is because the radar is primarily sensitive to the water content within the clouds, which can result in returns that do not fully represent the full extent of the cloud structure.

As a result, while a thunderstorm may produce a strong radar return due to the precipitation it contains, the visible returns often do not encapsulate the entire size or potential hazards of the associated cumulonimbus cloud, leading to the conclusion that the radar returns can be smaller than the actual cloud. Understanding this relationship is key for air traffic control in managing flight patterns and ensuring the safety of aircraft in and around stormy weather.