WMO Global Campus Collection of Learning Resources

Description

Basic Satellite Course Introduction

The course aims to give an overview on the basics of satellite meteorology: image analysis i.e. the interpretation of patterns in satellite images that are related to various meteorological phenomena. During the course you will read, watch and answer questions about various surface features like vegetated ares, urban areas, difference between sea and land, you will identify cloud types and analyze their characteristics and you will learn to interpret atmospheric phenomena, like for example: dust storms, smoke and fires from satellite data.

The course is asynchronous, which means that you can take it at your own pace as all the lectures are pre-prepared. Quizzes are made for youto check your level of understanding.

This module - Surface Features

In this module you will be able to identify geographical features and surface characteristics and conditions through images and satellite products. Although surface features are not the main purpose of meteorological forecasting, being able to identifying and distinguish them from atmospheric features can be useful. More specific in-depth usage of satellite data in specialized areas, such hydrology, climatology and agrometeorology, is not currently considered.

Expected Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module students should be able to identify the following:

• Terrain and geographical features.
• Surface characteristics and conditions, including dry/wet, different vegetation types and clear areas, sand and desert.
• Identify snow/ice cover and analyse its extent.

Target Audience

The primary audience for the training are forecasters in shifts who have access to different satellite (and model) products, though limited time or knowledge because of their schedule and the lack of training. Secondary audience are any other meteorologists and geoscientists that are working with satellite data in training, research, etc.