Satellite Imagery and Environmental Monitoring
Nature and Collection of Satellite Images
Satellites are human-made objects orbiting Earth, equipped with remote sensors to collect data on environmental resources.
Remote sensors act as sophisticated scanners, observing radiation across seven spectral bands ranging from visible to thermal infrared regions.
Scanning is possible because the atmosphere is transparent to certain radiation types in specific parts of the electromagnetic spectrum, known as atmospheric windows or channels.
Data is transmitted to computers on Earth, where scientists enhance the images to study terrain objects and environmental processes.
High-Resolution Satellite Image Types
Visible satellite images: Used for tracking systems like Tropical Storm Alex (observed June 29th, 2010).
Infrared satellite imagery: Used for data such as global levels (recorded by a Nasa satellite in July 2009).
Water vapor satellite imagery: Used to visualize moisture in the atmosphere (recorded September 14th, 2012).
Applications of Satellite Data
Monitoring large-scale environmental changes, including deforestation, pollution distributions, and regional impacts.
Facilitating accurate weather forecasting and the routing of storms.
Assessing damage from natural disasters such as earthquakes or volcanoes and monitoring the rehabilitation of burned or deforested areas.
Analyzing the relationship between ocean surface temperature changes, rainfall patterns, droughts, and urban or rural flooding.
Questions & Discussion
Activity 12: Look at Figure 1.26 and answer the following questions:
Question: Why can't we see North America or India on this satellite image?
Question: What is shown by the blue, brown and white areas?
Diagram Exercise Information (dated 29 January 2026):
Earth's diameter:
Weather satellite's distance from Earth:
Size of weather satellite:
Position: The satellite remains stationary over West Africa.