Composite Reflectivity images utilize
all elevation scans during each volume scan to create the image.
It is composed of the greatest echo intensity (reflectivity)
from any elevation angle seen from the radar and is used to
reveal the highest reflectivity in all echoes. Whereas the
base reflectivity image is the first image available during
a volume scan, the composite reflectivity image is one of
the last views necessitated by the need for all elevation
scans to be completed before this image can be produced.
When compared
with Base Reflectivity, Composite Reflectivity can
reveal important storm structure features and intensity
trends of storms. This is important because often during the
development of strong to severe thunderstorms, rain-free
areas (or areas with light rain) develop as a result of
strong updrafts.
(Information
Source - National Weather Service)
