Lesson 2 Meteorology
Lesson 2 Meteorology
What is Meteorology
What is satellite Meteorology
Brief history of satellite Meteorology
How do satellite “SEE THINGS”
Careers in satellite Meteorology
Weather satellites and orbits
Activity
1. Meteorology Word Search
Direction: Kindly encircle the words that define and talks about Meteorology. Locate the given words in the
grid, running in one of ten possible directions horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
Analysis
1. What did you feel while doing the activity?
2. Among the words that you locate, what word struck you the most? Why?
3. Among the two basic methods, what do you think is the best method for you to use in observing the
atmosphere? Why?
4. From the activity that you had, what is the definition of Meteorology?
Analysis
5 points max - factual, complete, accurate, concise, comprehensive, and efficient relay of ideas
3 points max - effective manner or structure of explanation of knowledge or ideas (grammar and
convincing or persuasiveness factor)
2 points max – less factual, complete, accurate, concise, comprehensive, and efficient relay of ideas
Abstraction
An introduction to atmospheric science including climate, cloud types and structure, fronts and
cyclones, precipitation, severe storms, and air pollution. Upon successful completion of this course students
will have an understanding of the Earth’s atmospheric systems, weather forecasting, and the impact of weather
on humanity.
Basic concepts of weather forecasting are introduced. Investigations will include examination of
precipitation processes, severe weather, circulation systems, and air pollution. Upon successful completion of
this course, students will have an understanding of the physical factors that affect the atmosphere as well as
experience analyzing meteorological data and forecasting
Source:
https://www.doane.edu/open-learning/courses/introduction-to-meteorology
Satellite Meteorology
Satellite Meteorology refers to the study of the earth's atmosphere and oceans using data obtained
from remote sensing devices flown on board satellites orbiting the earth.
Direct methods, also called in situ for "in place," measure the properties of the air that are in contact with
the instrument being used.
Indirect methods, also referred to as remote sensing, obtain information without coming into physical
contact with the region of the atmosphere being measured. Launching satellites into space equipped with
remote sensing instruments allows us to continuosly monitor planet Earth from afar.
Direct method: A thermometer is in contact with the air around it and measures the temperature directly.
Satellites make measurements indirectly by sensing electromagnetic radiation (energy waves) coming
from the surfaces below. Because radiation can transport energy without a medium (water or air or any
substance) it is the only way in which the earth interacts with the rest of the universe. Thus, electromagnetic
radiation is the basis for remote sensing technology. Thus, understanding remote sensing technology starts by
by knowing properties of radiation and the electromagnetic spectrum.
Remote sensing instruments in space, on the ground, or in mid-air record different parts of the
spectrum absorbed, emitted, or scattered by the gases and particles in our atmosphere. Remote sensing
instruments flown on satellites provide ever-increasing insight into our planet Earth. Today, human made
satellites aid every aspect of modern life, providing scientists and educators with tools for investigation and
analysis. Data from satellites help us monitor lakes and oceans and landscapes so we can take better care of
our natural environment.
Source:
http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/satmet/modules/1_intro/intro-3.html#tag
The career possibilities in satellite meteorology are diverse and challenging. You could work in weather
forecasting, air quality management, energy conservation, aviation safety, space exploration, education, or
oceanography. Satellites are the most comprehensive and least expensive (cost-effective) way to monitor
these systems remotely. Beig able to interpret satellite images provides a tremendous advantage for making
a positive contribution to the future of our planet.
Most satellite meteorologists work for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), or the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Other Federal agencies that employ satellite
SCI 103 METEOROLOGY 14
ROZETTE E. MERCADO, PhD
meteorologists include the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Forest Service, the Department of
Defense, and the Department of Energy. In the private sector, satellite meteorologists work for colleges and
universities, private weather companies, television and radio stations, commercial airlines, state
governments, public utilities, and consulting firms.
Satellite meteorologists often work in groups or teams with people in related careers such as engineers,
computer and communications technicians, science writers, data systems analysts, astronauts, pilots,
astronomers, physicists, geologists, oceanographers, and biologists.
It all starts in high school however where you lay the foundation for all further learning! Take all the science
and math you can if you want to work with satellite technology one day. Be earnest in your language arts
classes as well, since you'll need good communication skills (oral and written) to be a satellite meteorologist.
All scientists attend conferences and workshops to share results with other researchers. Along with
acquiring critical information about our environment via satellites, you will need to write papers and technical
reports explaining in detail the results of your research and be able to effectively share information with the
public.
Source;
http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/satmet/modules/1_intro/intro-4.html#tag
Since the 1960 launch of Tiros I, weather satellites have been our
"eyes in the sky". Today, the ubiquitous nature of satellite
technology augments every aspect of modern life while promising
ever-increasing capabilities for stewardship during the 21st
century.
Dr.
Vemer
E.
Suomi
http://profhorn.meteor.wisc.edu/wxwise/muse
um/
Source:
http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/satmet/modules/2_weather_satellites/ws-1.html#tag
Satellite Orbits
A satellite is an object that orbits a larger object, such as a planet. The earth's moon is an example of a
natural satellite; weather satellites are the result of human ingenuity.
There are two main types of weather satellites, defined by their orbital characteristics: Polar Operational
Environmental Satellites (POES) and Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES). Most
satellite images seen on the local television news or The Weather Channel are produced by GOES
satellites.
GOES Satellites orbit the earth above the equator at the same speed as the earth rotates so they can
transmit a continuous picture of the region below. POES orbits are significantly lower and shorter, taking
about 100 minutes to travel from pole to pole and produce high resolution "snapshots" of the Earth.
Source:
http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/satmet/modules/2_weather_satellites/ws-2.html#tag
The United States typically operates two geostationary satellites called GOES (Geostationary
Operational Environment Satellite). One has a good view of the East Coast; the other is focused on the
West Coast. Another satellite in geostationary orbit is the European METEOSAT (METEOrological
SATellite), which views the eastern Atlantic Ocean, Africa, and Europe. The Japanese GMS
(Geostationary Meteorological Satellite) has a good view of Asia, Australia, and the western Pacific
Ocean.
Source:
http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/satmet/modules/2_weather_satellites/ws-3.html#tag
Polar Orbit
“Watch This “
SCI 103 METEOROLOGY 17
ROZETTE E. MERCADO, PhD
https://youtu.be/y_jM_BxQGvE
Polar Operational Environmetal Satellites (POES) are significantly closer to Earth than GOES, orbiting at an
altitude of only 879 kilometers, (approximately 500 miles) so it only takes one hour and 42 minutes to complete
a full orbit. This proximity results in high resolution images and informative profiles of Earth's atmosphere.
In a little bit we'll look at some sample images from the two different satellite orbits. But first let's move on to
learning about the satellite instruments that provide us with the data for these images.
Source:
http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/satmet/modules/2_weather_satellites/ws-4.html#tag
The instruments that measure electromagnetic energy are called radiometers. In this section we'll focus
on two kinds of radiometers: imagers and sounders.
Imagers
Contrary to a common conception, there are no cameras on satellites. Two main types of imagers are
utilized in satellite meteorology. One measures the amount of visible light from the sun reflected back to
space by the Earth's surface or by clouds. The second measures the amount of radiation emitted by these
entities. Data from these radiometers are transmitted to earth where visible and infrared (IR) images are
produced by computers. Usually, these images are "loop animated" to show the progression and
movement of storms.
Visible images are the same thing we would see with our naked eye and require daylight. Infrared images
depend on the amount of radiation an object emits. The obvious advantage to having infrared capability is
that weather systems can be monitored both day and night.
Below are samples of an infrared image and a visible image. You'll learn more about these types of
images in a later module.
Infrared Image
http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/satmet/modules/2_weather_satellites/images/goes-16-CONUS-IR.jpg
Source:
http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/satmet/modules/2_weather_satellites/ws-5.html#tag
Sounders
The other type of radiometer flown on weather
satellites is called a sounder. "Sounder" is a shorter
name for Vertical Atmospheric Sounder (VAS), don't
let this name mislead you, these radiometers
measure infrared radiation, not sound waves.
Sounders provide vertical profiles of temperature,
pressure, water vapor and critical trace gases in the
earth's atmosphere. Trace gas profiles such as carbon
dioxide or ozone are important for climate studies while
temperature, water vapor and pressure information are
crucial to forecasting severe weather conditions long
before dangerous weather even develops.
“Watch This “
http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/satmet/modules/2_weather_satellites/images/Sounding-KMIA.png
Source:
http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/satmet/modules/2_weather_satellites/ws-6.html#tag
GOES Images
An advantage of GOES is that it provides a view of the weather over a hemisphere. Below is a GOES
view of the Western Hemisphere at 17:45 UTC on 18 July 2002. (What is UTC?)
“Read this”
http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/satmet/modules/2_weather_satellites/utc.html
POES Images
Polar orbiters observe a swath of the earth each orbit around the Earth. To get a larger view of the weather,
we need to combine these swaths. Below are examples of infrared image swaths from the POES satellite.
“Watch This”
http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/satmet/modules/2_weather_satellites/images/poes_ir1.GIF
http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/satmet/modules/2_weather_satellites/images/poes_ir2.GIF
http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/satmet/modules/2_weather_satellites/images/poes_ir3.GIF
But wait, there's more... These three images can be combined to create a composite image!
F = G m1 m2 / r2
F = gravitational force
m1 = mass of the first object
m2 = mass of the second object
r = distance between the centers of the objects
G = "universal constant of gravitation"
Using this equation and knowing the mass of the earth and the mass of GOES satellites, scientists launch
GOES satellites to an elevation that locks them into a permanent orbit over the same location of the earth
indefinitely.
Source:
http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/satmet/modules/2_weather_satellites/ws-9.html#tag
1. The path of the object will be an ellipse, with the massive body at one focus
The Earth occupies one focus of the ellipse, not the center.
2. A straight line joining the central body and the orbiting body will sweep out equal areas in equal
times
Does this work for earth's orbit? Count the number of days between
September 21 (Autumn Equinox) and March 21 (Spring Equinox) and
the number of days between March 21 and September 21.
This means that if you know how much time a planet's orbit around the Sun takes, you can know it's
average distance from the Sun, or vice-versa!
(2) Calculate the altitude at which a satellite of mass 2100 kg orbits a planet of mass 2.736*1023 kg. The
gravitational force is 450 N and the universal constant of gravitation G is 6.673*10-11 N*m2/kg2.
F= (G*m1*m2)/r2
r2= (G*m1*m2)/F
r= ((G*m1*m2)/F)1/2
r= 3.6*107 m
r= 36,000 km
F= (G*m1*m2)/r2
r2= (G*m1*m2)/F
r= ((G*m1*m2)/F)1/2
r= 9.2*106 m
r= 9200 km
Source
http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/satmet/modules/2_weather_satellites/ws-11.html#tag
Application and Assessment
1. Why is it important to study the introduction of Meteorology? Does it help us in day to day living?
Why?
2. What country launched the first satellite and what did they name it?
SCI 103 METEOROLOGY 23
ROZETTE E. MERCADO, PhD
3. What Wisconsin scientist pioneered satellite meteorology research and became known as the
"Father of Satellite Meteorology"
4. When were the first weather satellite launched and what country accomplished this?
5. What are the two main types of satellites? Which is closest to the Earth?
7. What type of satellite is better for viewing small scale features on the Earth over a single country?
8. What are the two main types of remotes sensing instruments flown on weather satellites?
10. Satellite technology is one of the biggest scientific breakthroughs of the 20th century, name at least 2
more and list your reasons for your choices.
Assignment
Watch this video about Meteorology Chapter 1 Lecture. Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=oN9N0qSX7KQ. Retrieved on September 8, 2020.
In a separate sheet of paper, make a reflection at least 300 words about the video.
Determine what you have learned (the knowledge that serve as your foundation to stand and keep); the
things you have realized and appreciated (attitude towards learning) and the things you discovered (skills that
you will cherish in life).
Rubric for Student Reflections
References: