What modifier will be present in the remarks section of METARs reported by an automated station that can detect the difference between liquid and frozen precipitation?

The presence of the modifier A02 in the remarks section of METAR reports indicates that the automated station is capable of distinguishing between liquid and frozen precipitation. This is significant because it enhances the accuracy of weather reporting, allowing meteorologists and aviation professionals to make informed decisions based on the specific types of precipitation occurring at the observation site.

The distinction between liquid and frozen precipitation is crucial, especially in aviation, where different types of precipitation can affect flight operations in various ways. For instance, the presence of freezing rain can pose serious safety concerns for aircraft during landing and takeoff.

In contrast, other modifiers like A01 indicate the station cannot differentiate between the types of precipitation. The A03 modifier pertains to the detection of pressure changes, while A04 is used for summation of snowfall information. Thus, A02 stands out as the correct choice due to its specific reference to the capability of detecting different forms of precipitation at automated weather stations.