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According to the passage, why does weather radar not reliably detect hail?

  1. Its porous and uneven structure

  2. Its chemical composition

  3. The high speed of falling hail

  4. The small size of hail

The correct answer is: Its porous and uneven structure

Hail is mostly composed of ice crystals, which have a porous and uneven structure. Due to this structure, hail is not as reflective as other precipitation, making it more difficult for weather radar to detect it accurately. Additionally, the uneven distribution of moisture and air pockets within hail also contribute to its low reflectivity and hence, its unreliable detection by weather radar. As for the other options, the composition of hail (option B), the high speed at which it falls (option C), and its small size (option D) do not directly affect its reflectivity, making them incorrect options.