CHAPTER 5
REFERENCE GUIDE
EFD1000/500 MAX MFD Pilot’s Guide
Page 5-52
091-00006-002 ()
EFD1000/500 MAX MFD Pilot’s Guide
Page 5-53
091-00006-002 ()
5.6.4 Echo Tops (XM only)
The Echo Tops screen displays a graphical representation of the radar indicated top of
an area of precipitation, the precipitation echo, as derived from NEXRAD information.
Echo tops are displayed overlaid on a basic weather map (
Figure 5-75
).
The display shows the location and elevation (above MSL) of the highest radar echo.
This is similar to cloud tops; however, in most cases the top of the cloud will be
somewhat higher than the top of the precipitation echoes. Echo tops are useful when
determining the intensity of a storm’s updrafts. In general, that the higher the echo
tops, the stronger the updraft within a storm, which make convective wind gusts and
large hail more likely.
The Echo Tops screen displays radar generated precipitation height and coverage, and
are displayed in 15 shades of gray proportional in brightness to the echo top altitude,
in 5000 ft increments, ranging from dark to 100% brightness at 70,000 feet. Areas with
no radar returns are depicted by full transparency (i.e., fully visible map background).
A legend is available for display that shows the different gradients used.
Display the Echo Tops Legend
•
With the Echo Top weather product screen displayed, press the LGND Hot
Key. The Echo Top legend displays on the right of the screen (
Figure 5-76
).
•
Press the LGND Hot Key again to remove the Echo Tops legend.
Figure 5-75
Echo Tops Screen
Figure 5-76
Echo Tops Legend
