What type of radar shows the range and azimuth of targets such as ships and islands?

The correct answer is search radar, which is specifically designed to detect and track objects over long distances, providing critical information such as range and azimuth of targets like ships and islands. Search radar operates by emitting signals and analyzing the returned reflections, which allows it to determine the distance and angle of identified objects relative to the radar's position.

This type of radar is essential for maritime navigation and surveillance, where situational awareness is crucial for safely navigating through environments that may contain various obstacles. By continuously sweeping a defined area, search radar effectively identifies and tracks multiple targets, which is fundamental for collision avoidance and traffic management in busy waterways.

In contrast, the other options serve different functions. Weather radar primarily focuses on detecting atmospheric phenomena such as rain, snow, and storms, rather than tracking solid objects. Radar altimeters measure the altitude of an aircraft above the ground, specifically for aviation applications, and are not concerned with the lateral position of surface targets. Area navigation radar helps with the navigation of aircraft or vessels within a designated area but does not emphasize the long-range detection capabilities required for monitoring targets like ships or islands.