Difference between echo top and reflectivity height(thunderstorms)?
http://wwwa.accuweather.com/phoenix2/hel… The Echo Tops product shows how high the precipitation echoes, or reflectivities, extend up into the sky. It is similar to cloud tops but not quite the same since in most cases, the top of the cloud will be somewhat higher than the top of the precipitation echoes. The heights in the radar graphic key are in thousands of feet above mean sea level, not above the local ground level. Heights are measured for precipitation echoes with reflectivities of 18.5 dBZ or higher. The lowest detectable tops are those at 5,000 feet. The highest detectable tops are heights of 70,000 feet. This product is extremely valuable for aviation users and it also carries information about the nature of individual thunderstorms and their potential for producing severe weather. For example, echo tops information can be useful in identifying a region of strong updrafts. The higher t
