7.1 Remote Sensing
Remote sensing observes the atmosphere from distance using satellites, radar, and lidar. Essential for global weather monitoring.
Satellite Sensors
Visible/IR Imagers
Cloud imagery, SST, vegetation
Sounders
Vertical temperature and humidity profiles
Microwave
Precipitation, SST through clouds
Radar (active)
Precipitation intensity, wind over ocean
Ground-Based Radar
Weather radar (e.g., NEXRAD) uses microwave pulses to detect precipitation.
$$Z = \sum_i D_i^6 \text{ (mm}^6\text{/m}^3\text{)}$$
Reflectivity Z related to rainfall via Z-R relationships