Electro-magnetic Radiation and Remote Sensing

Flashcards covering key concepts related to electromagnetic radiation and remote sensing, including definitions and mechanisms.

Electromagnetic Radiation

A form of energy that travels through space at the speed of light and includes a range of wave types, from gamma rays to radio waves.

Thermonuclear Fusion

A process occurring within the sun that yields a continuous spectrum of electromagnetic energy.

Photons

Quanta of light or electromagnetic radiation which travel in waves.

Absorption

The process by which electromagnetic radiation is taken up by atmospheric gases, reducing the amount that reaches the Earth's surface.

Ozone (O3)

A gas in the atmosphere that absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun.

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)

A greenhouse gas that absorbs radiation in the far infrared spectrum, contributing to thermal heating and trapping heat in the atmosphere.

Rayleigh Scattering

Scattering of light by particles that are much smaller than the wavelength of the light, resulting in shorter wavelengths being scattered more.

Mie Scattering

Scattering that occurs when the scattering particles are about the same size as the wavelength of the radiation, affecting longer wavelengths.

Non-selective Scattering

Scattering that occurs when the particles are much larger than the wavelength of the radiation, leading to equal scattering of all wavelengths.

Atmospheric Windows

Regions in the electromagnetic spectrum that are not significantly absorbed by atmospheric gases, allowing for effective remote sensing.

Diffuse Reflection

Reflection that occurs when surface irregularities scatter light uniformly in all directions.

Specular Reflection

Mirror-like reflection where light is reflected in a single direction from a smooth surface.

Irradiance

The amount of radiation energy received by a surface per unit area.

Reflectance Curve

A graph showing the fraction of irradiance that is reflected as a function of wavelength, specific to each material.

Spectral Signature

A unique pattern of reflectance that helps identify different materials or features on the Earth's surface.