METEO 3 Lesson 5 Images

Lesson 5: Remote Sensing of the Atmosphere

Introduction

optical illusion involving forced perspective

Man on snowy landscape humorously appears to hold a smaller distant woman by the hand.
optical illusion involving forced perspective
Text description of the optical illusion involving forced perspective image.

This image shows an optical illusion of a man appearing to be holding a much smaller woman at the edge of a glacier. In the foreground, a man in a black and white winter jacket with light blue snow pants and black ice boots is standing on a white, icy surface. The woman is positioned further in the background, dressed in all black, and standing on one leg with her left arm raised above her head appearing to hold the mans hand. Behind them, there is a body of water and a mountain range covered in green trees and brown rocks. 

 

Credit: Alexandre Durante / is licensed under CC BY 2.0 (opens in a new window)

 

In-Situ and Remote Sensing Measurements

cup anemometer and wind vane

Weather station anemometer on a red pole against a gray sky.
cup anemometer and wind vane
Text description of the cup anemometer and wind vane image.

The image shows a weather station's anemometer mounted on top of a pole. The pole is painted red, with a pair of red warning lights located near the top. Above the lights, two white curved arms extend horizontally in opposite directions. One arm holds a wind vane with three cups, used to measure wind speed, while the other arm appears to have a sensor or antenna. The background is a uniform gray, indicating an overcast  or foggy sky.

Credit: National Weather Service

 

Observing Weather From Space

spatial resolution

Three satellite images of an island at resolutions of 250 meters, 1 kilometer, and 4 kilometers, showing decreasing levels of detail.
spatial resolution
Text description of the spatial resolution image.

The image is a comparative display of satellite imagery of an island, shown in three different levels of resolution: 250 meters, 1 kilometer, and 4 kilometers. The left panel shows the island with high resolution at 250 meters, where small details like individual cumulus clouds are clearly visible. The middle panel displays a lower resolution of 1 kilometer, where details are more blurred, and small features are averaged with their surroundings. The right panel shows the lowest resolution at 4 kilometers, where the image is highly pixelated, making small objects indistinguishable. On each image, the water surrounding the island appears dark blue, and the land is green with scattered white clouds. Each panel is labeled at the top with the respective resolution in bright yellow text. Below each image is a caption that describes how each image changes with differing resolution.

Transcribed Text from each image left to right:

At very high resolutions, small objects such as individual cumulus clouds can be seen. 250-meter means that each pixel in the image spans 250x250 meters.

As resolution decreases, each pixel is an average of a larger area. Small features which occupy less than a pixel in areal coverage are averaged in with their surroundings.

At very low resolutions, small objects such as individual cumulus clouds cannot be seen. As resolution decreases, entire "broken" cloud fields can fade into the background.

Credit: David Babb @ Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0 (opens in a new window)

loop of the eye of Hurricane Dorian (0:06)

loop of the eye of Hurricane Dorian
Text description of the loop of the eye of Hurricane Dorian image (0:06)

The image is a grayscale satellite view of a swirling storm system overlaid with a thin white outline of a coast at the top. The storm features distinct circular cloud formations radiating outward from a central eye, which shows the ocean below and appears darker. The cloud bands have a textured and fluffy appearance and are rotating counterclockwise. 

Credit: Dakota Smith

loop of GOES satellite images (0:03)

loop of GOES satellite images
Text description of the loop of GOES satellite images (0:03)

The image is a satellite view of the eastern United States, showing Hurricane Maria over the Atlantic Ocean and a weather system over the central US. The coastlines and state boundaries are outlined in orange, the land is a light grey with the ocean colored in a darker grey and the clouds in white. Hurricane Maria is stationed off the coast of North Carolina and Virginia, with its clouds extending as far north as Massachusetts. The image shows significant cloud cover stretching across several states from Texas to Michigan, including parts of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

Credit: Penn State Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science

a large portion of an entire hemisphere

Satellite image of the Americas with continents outlined in yellow and visible cloud formations.
a large portion of an entire hemisphere
Text description of the a large portion of an entire hemisphere image.

The image is a black and white satellite view of the western hemisphere of Earth, focusing on the Americas, with North and South America prominently displayed. The continents are traced with thin, bright yellow outlines, making geographical borders easily distinguishable against the dark ocean background. The North American continent is visible in the upper part with the United States clearly outlined. Central America is in the middle, and the vast expanse of South America occupies the lower right portion of the globe. Cloud formations are visible over the oceans and landmasses, appearing as light areas against the darker background. The NOAA logo is located in the bottom left corner and the date and image source is marked at the bottom, labeled "26 Apr 2018 18:15 UTC GOES-EAST ABI BAND-02"

Credit: NOAA

large polar storms

Satellite image of a swirling Arctic cloud formation and snow-covered landmasses.
large polar storms
Text description of the large polar storms image.

The image depicts a satellite view of a cloudy area of low pressure swirling over the Arctic ocean. This large-scale feature dominates the left side of the image, characterized by a tightly coiled center with broad spiraling arms extending outward. The cloud structure is colored in varying shades of white and light grey, indicating differences in cloud height. To the right, there are Canadian islands covered with snow and ice, likely parts of the Arctic Archipelago, surrounded by patches of dark blue ocean water. In the top left corner of the image, there is a small globe graphic displaying a red outline marking the geographical area shown.

Credit: NASA

Antarctic icebergs

Grayscale satellite image of polar ice with red arrows pointing to a dark boundary feature.
Antarctic icebergs
Text description of the Antarctic icebergs image.

The image is a grayscale satellite photograph showing an expanse of ice and snow in a polar region. Light and dark shades represent different textures and elevations of the ice surface. A series of red arrows point upward along a straight, dark line near the center, indicating a significant boundary or feature, such as a crack or rift in the ice. Thin, bright blue grid lines overlay the image, marking coordinates for geographical reference. Latitude lines numbered 77 to 80 are visible along the side of the image and indicate the outlined boundary of the polar ice.

Credit: NOAA

visible image of smoke sweeping over the Northeast States

Satellite image of Eastern Canada showing wildfires with smoke and clouds.
visible image of smoke sweeping over the Northeast States
Text description of the visible image of smoke sweeping over the Northeast States image.

The image is a satellite view depicting a portion of the Earth, centered over Eastern Canada. The perspective is slanted, showing a mix of dark browns, greens, and whites indicating land, vegetation, and clouds. In the top-central section of the image, there is a concentrated area highlighted with the word "Fires" in bright yellow text, accompanied by two yellow arrows pointing downward, suggesting the location of wildfires. Surrounding the area of interest are large white cloud formations, some appearing thick and dense. A plume of smoke extends southwest from the fires, mingling with the cloud cover. The outline of the Canadian landmass is visible, marked by both natural landscapes and the Atlantic Ocean on the far eastern side.

Credit: University of Wisconsin

 

Clouds from Bottom to Top

 

Visible Satellite Imagery

absorptivity graphic

Graph showing absorptivity of various gases over different wavelengths, with sections for CH₄, N₂O, O₂ and O₃, CO₂, and H₂O.
absorptivity graphic
Text description of the absorptivity graphic.

The image is a graph showing the absorptivity of different atmospheric gases across a range of wavelengths measured in microns. The vertical axis is labeled "Absorptivity," ranging from 0 to 1, while the horizontal axis is labeled "Wavelength (microns)," spanning from 0.1 to 30. The graph consists of five horizontal sections, each representing a different gas. From top to bottom: CH₄ (methane) in pink, N₂O (nitrous oxide) in orange, O₂ and O₃ (oxygen and ozone) in green, CO₂ (carbon dioxide) in red, and H₂O (water) in blue. Each section shows the specific absorption peaks for that gas at different wavelengths. At the bottom, a black section labeled "Atmosphere" indicates the overall absorption pattern, highlighting the cumulative effect of all gases. A red box outlines the region around the 0.4 to 0.6 micron range which is a region of low absorptivity and coincides with the visible light spectrum.

Credit: David Babb @ Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0(opens in a new window)

visible satellite loop of the United States (0:03)

visible satellite loop of the United States
Text description of the visible satellite loop of the United States images (0:03)

The loop is a satellite view of the continental United States with parts of Mexico and Canada visible. The map displays state boundaries in bright blue lines. The video begins with the screen completely black other than the outline states/countries because the sun has yet to rise. After the sun rises, various cloud formations can be seen across the country, with thick, white clouds covering regions in the central and eastern areas. The western United States shows patches of clouds, but it is mostly clear. To the northwest, swirling cloud patterns are visible over the Pacific Ocean, indicating a weather system. Black areas represent cloud-free zones. The image shows the time and date at the bottom.

Credit: College of DuPage

full-sized version of the image

Satellite image showing northeastern U.S., with major features labeled such as the Great Lakes, Finger Lakes, Northern Forests, Susquehanna River, and Atlantic Ocean.
full-sized version of the image
Text description of the full-sized version of the image image.

The image is a satellite view of a region in the northeastern United States, captured in shades of gray. Major geographical features are labeled in bright yellow text with lines pointing to specific areas. The Great Lakes, including Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, are visible in the upper left; their dark waters contrast sharply with the land. The Finger Lakes are labeled further to the southeast. To the east, the Atlantic Ocean is visible, appearing darker than the land. The Northern Forests are marked towards the center of the image, surrounded by darker valley regions, which are noted for their agricultural significance. The Susquehanna River is identified as it winds through the landscape. Large cloud formations can be seen in the lower left portion of the image. Light blue lines outline state borders, offering additional context to the region's layout. The image includes a label from the College of DuPage NEXLAB in the top right corner.

Credit: College of DuPage

“true color” satellite view of Pennsylvania and surrounding states from Google

Golden Gate Bridge partially covered in fog with a clear blue sky above.
“true color” satellite view of Pennsylvania and surrounding states from Google
Text description of the “true color” satellite view of Pennsylvania and surrounding states from Google image.

The image is a detailed satellite map showing parts of the northeastern United States, including states such as Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. The map highlights major cities, highways, and natural features. Green hues dominate the map, indicating forested and natural areas, notably the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania. Highways are marked in blue and orange, weaving through the states and connecting cities like Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Philadelphia, and New York. Bodies of water, such as Lake Erie in the northwest and portions of the Atlantic Ocean in the southeast, are visible. Some of the roads include I-90, I-80, and I-76.

Credit: Google

fog and stratus

Golden Gate Bridge partially covered in fog with a clear blue sky above.
fog and stratus
Text description of the fog and stratus image.

The image shows the iconic Golden Gate Bridge extending over a body of water under a clear blue sky. The bridge, painted in its distinctive International Orange color, is partially shrouded in a dense layer of fog that obscures its far end. The structure's tall towers and suspension cables are prominently visible, with the bridge deck carrying vehicles across. The surrounding water is calm, with gentle ripples, and the light casts a shadow of the bridge onto the surface. The foreground showcases a rocky cliff edge, partially covered with sparse vegetation.

Credit: Golden Gate Bridge in the fog / Raul Diaz / is licensed under CC BY 2.0 (opens in a new window)

example of valley fog

Satellite image showing a region in the northeastern United States with
example of valley fog
Text description of the example of valley fog image.

The image is a satellite view highlighting a geographic region within the northeastern part of the United States. State borders are outlined in blue, while the dark background indicates night or low-light conditions. A section of Pennsylvania is labeled with yellow text and an arrow pointing to an area described as "Valley Fog," indicating the presence of fog within a valley. This feature is marked by light, wispy textures against the dark landscape. The image includes portions of several states such as New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, with the Atlantic Ocean visible to the southeast.

Credit: College of DuPage

example from October 30, 2011

Satellite image showing snow cover in the northeastern United States, with cloud cover and state borders outlined.
example from October 30, 2011
Text description of the example from October 30, 2011 image.

The image is a satellite view displaying parts of the Northeastern United States. The map outlines state borders with blue lines. The image primarily features cloud cover and snow cover in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, marked by labels. Yellow lines labels "snow cover" point to places from West Virginia to Massachusetts where snow cover can be seen from satellite imagery. Few clouds exist over land with the primary  visible feature being snow cover, but significant cloud cover exists off the coast in the Atlantic ocean. The background is in grayscale, with varying gray shades depicting clouds and the landscape.

Credit: University of Wisconsin

loop of visible images from October 30, 2011 (0:05)

loop of visible images from October 30, 2011
Text description of the loop of visible images from October 30, 2011 images (0:05)

The image is a satellite view of the northeast United States, depicting snow cover and a large weather system over the western Atlantic Ocean. The defining feature of this series of satellite images is that the clouds rotate and move during the loop, but the snow cover remains stationary. Both the snow and clouds are depicted in white on a greyscale background, so the movement of the clouds versus the stationary snow cover allows the two to be distinguished. States are outlined in blue with states from West Virginia to Maine visible on the satellite image. The Atlantic Ocean, on the right side of the image, appears in a darker grey than the land on the left two-thirds of the satellite view.

Credit: University of Wisconsin

 

Infrared Satellite Imagery

atmospheric absorption chart

Absorptivity graph of atmospheric gases across various wavelengths with six sections.
atmospheric absorption chart
Text description of the atmospheric absorption chart image.

The image is a graph showing the absorptivity of different atmospheric gases across a range of wavelengths measured in microns. The vertical axis is labeled "Absorptivity," ranging from 0 to 1, while the horizontal axis is labeled "Wavelength (microns)," spanning from 0.1 to 30. The graph consists of five horizontal sections, each representing a different gas. From top to bottom: CH₄ (methane) in pink, N₂O (nitrous oxide) in orange, O₂ and O₃ (oxygen and ozone) in green, CO₂ (carbon dioxide) in red, and H₂O (water) in blue. Each section shows the specific absorption peaks for that gas at different wavelengths. At the bottom, a black section labeled "Atmosphere" indicates the overall absorption pattern, highlighting the cumulative effect of all gases. A red box outlines the region around the 10 to 13 micron range which is a region of low absorptivity and coincides with infrared radiation.

Credit: David Babb @ Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0(opens in a new window)

“traditional” IR image

Infrared satellite image of the United States with cloud cover, taken on June 7, 2012.
“traditional” IR image
Text description of the “traditional” IR image image.

The image is a black-and-white infrared satellite picture of the United States, showing cloud cover across the country. It depicts the continental U.S. in dark grey with state boundaries highlighted in white. In the central U.S., particularly over Oklahoma and surrounding states, there is a concentration of thick cloud cover. The western part of the U.S. is mostly clear except for some cloud formations along the Pacific Northwest. Significant cloud cover is also present over the southeast US from Florida eastward into the Atlantic Ocean. The temperature scale at the bottom ranges from -75 to 35 degrees Celsius, indicating cloud top temperatures.

Credit: NCAR

“enhanced image”

Satellite infrared map of the U.S. showing cloud cover and precipitation.
“enhanced image”
Text description of the “enhanced image” image.

The image is a satellite infrared map depicting cloud cover across North America. Clouds on the map are depicted in different colors based on cloud top temperature. Regions with no cloud cover are depicted in black and grey, shallow clouds are seen in white with taller, colder, cloud tops in varying shades of green, yellow, and orange. Regions of deeper convection and colder cloud tops exist over portions of central US, Pacific Northwest, and Southeast United States. The map includes state and national boundaries outlined in black for reference, and a color scale on the left edge ranging from 56.9 to -110.1 degrees Celsius indicating temperature gradients.

Credit: Penn State Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science

loop of infrared images of the Sahara Desert (0:15)

loop of infrared images of the Sahara Desert
Text description of the loop of infrared images of the Sahara Desert images (0:15)

The image is a satellite view showcasing parts of Europe and North Africa, focusing on the Saharan Desert countries of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. Clouds are depicted in white and move eastward across Europe during the animation. The Atlantic ocean and Mediterranean sea are shaded in blue. The main focus of the animation is the differences in the land temperature of the Saharan desert between day and night. During the day, the North African desert is depicted in muted beige and green earth tone colors. At night, the desert region becomes shaded in dark green before becoming muted again during the daytime images. 

Credit: Eumetsat

infrared image collected at 1131Z on February 25, 2008

Weather map showing Gulf Coast region with weather data overlaid and a highlighted yellow circle centered on Corpus Christi.
infrared image collected at 1131Z on February 25, 2008
Text description of the infrared image collected at 1131Z on February 25, 2008 image.

The satellite image showing a portion of the Gulf Coast region, focused on parts of southeast Texas. A large yellow circle highlights an area centered around Corpus Christi, identified by location codes such as KRK (Corpus Christi), KNIR (Naval Air Station Corpus Christi), and KNGP (Corpus Christi International Airport). The background is a grayscale infrared satellite image depicting cloud coverage. Station models are plotted across the map, in yellow, containing information about temperature, dew point, cloud cover, wind speed/direction, and pressure. The cloud top temperatures are warmer within the circle than outside of it, depicted by the darker grey colors inside the circle. The station models within the circle are all generally reporting overcast skies and fog, while stations outside the circle are mostly reporting clear skies. The map has a color scale at the top ranging from black to purple, indicating different cloud top temperatures.

Credit: University of Wisconsin

 

Water Vapor Imagery

atmospheric absorption chart

Graph showing absorptivity of gases CH₄, N₂O, O₂/O₃, CO₂, H₂O, and atmosphere over wavelengths from 0.1 to 30 microns.
atmospheric absorption chart
Text description of the atmospheric absorption chart image.

The image is a graph showing the absorptivity of different atmospheric gases across a range of wavelengths measured in microns. The vertical axis is labeled "Absorptivity," ranging from 0 to 1, while the horizontal axis is labeled "Wavelength (microns)," spanning from 0.1 to 30. The graph consists of five horizontal sections, each representing a different gas. From top to bottom: CH₄ (methane) in pink, N₂O (nitrous oxide) in orange, O₂ and O₃ (oxygen and ozone) in green, CO₂ (carbon dioxide) in red, and H₂O (water) in blue. Each section shows the specific absorption peaks for that gas at different wavelengths. At the bottom, a black section labeled "Atmosphere" indicates the overall absorption pattern, highlighting the cumulative effect of all gases. A red box outlines the region around the 6 micron range which is a region of high absorptivity and coincides with water vapor imagery.

Credit: David Babb @ Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0(opens in a new window)

surface observation from Corpus Christi at this time

Weather observation report with temperature, wind, and cloud conditions, and a highlighted ceiling at 2500 feet AGL.
surface observation from Corpus Christi at this time
Text description of the surface observation from Corpus Christi at this time image.

The image is a textual weather observation report from Corpus Christi, TX. It shows various meteorological conditions observed at Corpus Christi (KCRP) at 09:51 UTC on January 14th, 2003. The background is white with text displayed in the center of the image. The labels, "Conditions at", "Temperature", "Dewpoint", "Pressure (altimeter)", "Winds", "Visibility", "Ceiling", "Clouds", and "Present Weather" are labeled in light purple with most other text in black. Temperature is noted as 9.4°C (49°F), dew point is 6.7°C (44°F), and pressure is 30.37 inches Hg. Wind comes from the SE (140 degrees) at 5 MPH. Visibility is over 10 miles, and clouds are overcast at 2500 feet above ground level (AGL). Notably, the ceiling of significant cloud cover is highlighted in red, highlighting the presence of low clouds at Corpus Christi. Present weather indicates no significant observation at the time, and the observation time and date are provided. The METAR code line is listed at the bottom, showing the raw meteorological data used in this summary.

Transcribed Text:

 

 

Conditions at: KCRP observed 14 January 2003 09:51 UTC Temperature: 9.4°C (49°F) Dewpoint: 6.7°C (44°F) [RH = 83%] Pressure (altimeter): 30.37 inches Hg (1028.5 mb) [Sea-level pressure: 1028.2 mb] Winds: from the SE (140 degrees) at 5 MPH (4 knots; 2.1 m/s) Visibility: 10 or more miles (16+ km) Ceiling: 2500 feet AGL Clouds: overcast cloud deck at 2500 feet AGL Present Weather: no significant weather observed at this time KCRP 140951Z 14004KT 10SM OVC025 09/07 A3037 RMK AO2 SLP282 T00940067

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Credit: NCAR

smoke from an extinguished candle

Colorful smoke rises from an extinguished candle against a black background.
smoke from an extinguished candle
Text description of the smoke from an extinguished candle image.

The image features an extinguished candle emitting vibrant smoke against a stark black background. The candle, positioned on the left, is varying shades of red and blue. A column of smoke rises from the wick, with the smoke curling in the air. The smoke is colored in shades of pink and purple, adding a dynamic visual contrast against the dark backdrop. The smoke twists and turns in intricate patterns, with wispy trails extending to the right, creating a sense of movement and fluidity.

Credit: Candle smoke / The Ewan / is licensed under CC BY 2.0 (opens in a new window)

enhanced infrared satellite loop (0:05)

enhanced infrared satellite loop
Text description of the enhanced infrared satellite loop images (0:05)

The video is a series of satellite images showing weather patterns west of the Mississippi river. It is a grayscale map overlaid with colored areas indicating cloud top temperatures. The land is colored in light grey, indicating warmer temperatures, with clouds in shades of white, green, yellow, and red indicating deep convection. A prominent red and orange area of clouds is located in the northern central part of the U.S., indicating a storm with tall and cold cloud tops. Smaller patches of yellow and green are scattered throughout Texas and Louisiana. The western part of the map is predominantly gray, indicating calmer weather. A temperature scale is displayed on the left, with values ranging from 20 to -90.

Credit: Penn State Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science

corresponding loop of water vapor images (0:05)

corresponding loop of water vapor images
Text description of the corresponding loop of water vapor images images (0:05)

This video is a series of greyscale water vapor satellite images showing portions of the country west of the Mississippi river. The map displays various shades of gray representing different cloud brightness temperatures where shades of white represent more water vapor and thicker clouds while darker shades represent less. The boundaries of the states are outlined in black. The main weather feature is the bright clouds seen over Minnesota and the upper great plains.

Credit: Penn State Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science

satellite-derived winds

Satellite map showing wind patterns over the Atlantic and parts of America with color-coded arrows and cloud formations.
satellite-derived winds
Text description of the satellite-derived winds image.

The image is a satellite map showing wind barbs at different pressure levels across the eastern North America and the Atlantic ocean. Wind barbs colored in green represent winds at the 351-500mb level, yellow wind barbs represent winds between 350-251mb, and blue bards show wind speed and direction between the 100-250mb level. The background is a grayscale image depicting clouds and storm systems. Two notable weather features on this map is the landfalling hurricane near the Texas coast and the large Bermuda high over the central Atlantic ocean. The map is overlaid with latitude and longitude lines and outlines of continents in tan. 

Credit: University of Wisconsin

 

How Radar Works

image, taken from a WSR-57 radar

Radar screen showing concentric circles and scattered light patches, with a yellow arrow pointing to a feature.
image, taken from a WSR-57 radar
Text description of the taken from a WSR-57 radar image.

The image depicts a radar screen with a dark background. The hurricane's circular rain bands, depicted in white, can be seen on the radar screen with 5 concentric white circles extending radially outward from the center of the radar. A single bright line extends from the center of the radar to the top edge of the image, likely indicating the location of the radar beam. A yellow arrow points to some storms on the right side of the image, indicating where a tornado was located on radar at the time the image was taken.

Credit: National Weather Service

antenna of a WSR-88D

Interior view of a radome with a large cylindrical mechanical structure under warm lighting.
antenna of a WSR-88D
Text description of the antenna of a WSR-88D image.

The image captures the interior of a radar, focusing on a large, cylindrical, mechanical structure. The structure is predominantly white with light creating areas of darker shadows. The curved back of the circular radar is visible with distinct mechanical components and panels. The lighting is warm, casting a yellowish glow on the surfaces. The background shows the smooth, angular walls of the radar dome, featuring a pattern of geometric panels.

Credit: Calderon, Alex, CC BY 2.0

a dome

Weather radar tower with a spherical white dome on a metal lattice structure against a blue sky.
a dome
Text description of the dome image.

The image features the outside of the radar tower against a clear blue sky. The structure consists of a spherical white dome perched atop a tall, lattice metal framework. The dome is smooth and has faint polygonal panels, resembling the pattern of a soccer ball. The metallic framework is composed of intersecting beams with a central staircase providing access to the dome. The staircase includes railings and several platforms for maintenance and observation purposes.

Credit: Calderon, Alex, CC BY 2.0

compass bearing

Stylized compass rose with colorful intertwined serpents at the center.
compass bearing
Text description of the compass bearing image.

The image depicts a stylized compass rose set against a beige background. The compass features a prominent black 8-point compass rose star indicating the cardinal directions: North (N), South (S), East (E), and West (W), along with the intercardinal directions: Northeast (NE), Southeast (SE), Southwest (SW), and Northwest (NW). Surrounding the compass, a circular protractor measures angles in increments of 30 degrees, marked distinctly from 0° to 360°. At the center of the compass, there is a colorful serpent. The serpent is purple with pink accents with an orange and green tail. 

Credit: David Babb @ Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0(opens in a new window)

coverage of NEXRAD radars

Map of NEXRAD radar coverage across the United States below 10,000 feet AGL, with areas in yellow, orange, and blue indicating different elevation coverages.
coverage of NEXRAD radars
Text description of the coverage of NEXRAD radars image.

The image is a map of the United States depicting NEXRAD radar coverage below 10,000 feet AGL (Above Ground Level). It displays radar locations marked by their ICAO identifier, each surrounded by circles of varying colors representing different coverage elevations. There are yellow areas indicating coverage below 4,000 feet, orange below 6,000 feet, and blue below 10,000 feet. Any portion of the United States colored in white represents regions where there is no radar coverage less than 10,000 above ground level. Specifically, the western United States features some unevenness in radar coverage due to terrain blockages. A scale is located in the lower left corner, providing measurements in miles. The NOAA logo is at the bottom right.

Credit: National Weather Service

ground clutter

Radar map showing weather activity around Mobile with precipitation patterns in green and yellow against a black background.
ground clutter
Text description of the ground clutter image.

The image is a radar map depicting radar reflectivity over parts of the southern Mississippi, Alabama, and western Florida. The map highlights several cities, including Mobile, Pensacola, Monroeville, Brewton, and Hattiesburg. The map is mostly black with fine lines indicating state and county borders in green, and red lines indicating major highways. The radar data shows radar reflectivity values centered around the radar in Mobile, with green, yellow, and some patches of blue and purple indicating areas of possible precipitation. However, these reflectivity values are the result of ground clutter where the radar perceives buildings and birds as precipitation. The coastal outline is visible along the southern edge of the map.

Credit: National Weather Service

 

Interpreting Radar Images

large hail

Large hailstone next to a U.S. quarter on a purple surface.
large hail
Text description of the large hail image.

The image shows a detailed view of a large piece of hail resting on a textured, purple surface, likely a towel or blanket. The hailstone is irregularly shaped with a rugged, translucent surface featuring numerous bumps and indentations. Its size is comparable to a nearby U.S. quarter coin placed on the right side for scale. The coin reflects light, appearing shiny against the soft, matte texture of the background.

Credit: National Weather Service

graph showing weather conditions

Weather chart for Islip MacArthur, NY showing temperature and weather symbols over time, with
graph showing weather conditions
Text description of the graph showing weather conditions image.

The image is a weather chart for Islip MacArthur, NY (ISP) displaying temperature and weather conditions over a roughly 24 hour period. The top of the image is a line graph depicting temperature in purple, dew point in green, and relative humidity in blue. the left y-axis ranges from 22-32 degrees Fahrenheit and the right y-axis ranges from 0-100% relative humidity. The numbers below the graph display the observed temperature for each hour of the timeseries graph. Below the temperature values, green pictographs labeled "WSYM" depict varying weather conditions. A red arrow points to a particular symbol at 07z on the 27th, with the label "Heavy Snow".

Credit: University of Wyoming

07Z reflectivity from the radar at Boston

Radar map showing precipitation around New York City with varying intensities from light green to yellow.
07Z reflectivity from the radar at Boston
Text description of the 07Z reflectivity from the radar at Boston image.

The image shows a radar image from the Boston radar. A circular radar overlay depicts various colors indicating precipitation intensity in decibels (dBZ). The center of the radar is located in Boston, MA with radar coverage extending radially outward into much of eastern New England. The colors range from light blue to deep orange, representing varying precipitation intensities. The map appears to show heavy snowfall in the Boston area with precipitation rates tapering off across Connecticut and Long Island. Islip, NY is circled and labeled in red and appears to be experiencing little to no precipitation. However, the image show minimal precipitation because the radar is located too far away from Islip and the radar beam is unable to pickup the precipitation falling on Long Island. Geographic markers and state lines are visible, providing context to the areas affected. The map also includes a legend on the right, showing precipitation intensity values ranging from -25 to 75 dBZ.

Credit: National Weather Service

07Z image of reflectivity

Map of NEXRAD radar coverage below 10,000 feet AGL across the continental United States, showing coverage areas in varying colors and radar site codes.
07Z image of reflectivity
Text description of the 07Z image of reflectivity image.

The image is a map illustrating radar coverage at the New York City radar located in Upton, NY. The radar reflectivity colors range from light blue to deep orange, representing varying precipitation intensities. The map appears to show heavy snowfall across eastern New York, Connecticut, and Rhode Island with lighter precipitation rates to the west in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Geographic markers and state lines are visible, providing context to the areas affected. The map also includes a legend on the right, showing precipitation intensity values ranging from -25 to 75 dBZ.

Credit: NCAR

network of individual radars covering most of the United States

Map showing NEXRAD coverage below 10,000 feet AGL across the U.S. with colored circles indicating different altitudes.
network of individual radars covering most of the United States
Text description of the network of individual radars covering most of the United States image.

The image is a map of the United States depicting NEXRAD radar coverage below 10,000 feet AGL (Above Ground Level). It displays radar locations marked by their ICAO identifier, each surrounded by circles of varying colors representing different coverage elevations. There are yellow areas indicating coverage below 4,000 feet, orange below 6,000 feet, and blue below 10,000 feet. Any portion of the United States colored in white represents regions where there is no radar coverage less than 10,000 above ground level. Specifically, the western United States features some unevenness in radar coverage due to terrain blockages. A scale is located in the lower left corner, providing measurements in miles. The NOAA logo is at the bottom right.

Credit: National Weather Service

larger version of the radar mosaic above on the right

Weather map of the U.S. showing rain, snow, and mixed precipitation.
larger version of the radar mosaic above on the right
Text description of the larger version of the radar mosaic above on the right image.

The image is a radar mosaic depicting areas of precipitation across the United States. It displays rain, mixed precipitation, and snow across various regions. A prominent band of light to heavy snow, depicted in blue, extends from the central part of the country through the Midwest to the Northeast. Rain, shown in green and yellow, is concentrated in the southern and central U.S. states, with a vertical band stretching from Texas up to Illinois. The mixed precipitation, indicated by pink areas, is less widespread and generally found bordering the regions of rain and snow. The map features state boundaries and a scale at the bottom differentiating between rain, mixed, and snow, as well as light and heavy intensities.

Credit: WSI

scanning at angles of elevation as large as 19.5 degrees

A chart with colored lines representing elevation angles from 0.5 to 19.5 degrees, labeled
scanning at angles of elevation as large as 19.5 degrees
Text description of the scanning at angles of elevation as large as 19.5 degrees image.

The image is a chart displaying different elevation angles radars can scan at. The x-axis represents the "Range (km)" from 0 to 100, while the y-axis indicates "Height ARL (ft)" from 0 to 50000. Each line is colored and represents a different elevation angle, ranging from 0.5 to 19.5 degrees, shown in a legend at the top. The elevation lines fan out from the bottom left corner, spreading upwards and to the right, toward the top of the chart. These lines are colored blue, light blue, purple, mustard, green, red, dark blue, and orange. The label "VCP 215" is prominently displayed in large, bold text towards the top left of the chart.

Credit: National Weather Service

scanning the entire thunderstorm

3D weather simulation with red and orange storm structures over a multicolored base map labeled with
scanning the entire thunderstorm
Text description of the scanning the entire thunderstorm image.

The image depicts a three-dimensional simulation of a radar image, the structure of a super-cell thunderstorm. Central to the image is a towering, complex structure with swirling red and orange hues, suggesting areas of intense precipitation within the storm. The structure extends from a multicolored base map, which includes regions of blue, green, and yellow colors, representing varying radar reflectivity intensities. White grid lines create a vertical and horizontal frame that divides the image into sections. The town name of "Newcastle" appears and directional indicators "SOUTH" and "EAST" are labeled on the map, providing geographical context. 

Credit: Used with permission, Gibson Ridge Software / National Weather Service

 

Doppler and Dual Polarization Radar

traveled in the horizontal dimension

Weather illustration showing snow, hail, and rain in a circular magnified view, connected to a wireframe sphere by a black line.
Doppler and Dual Polarization Radar
Text description of the Doppler and Dual Polarization Radar image.

The image features a stylized representation of weather elements against a backdrop of a lightly clouded blue sky. In the lower-left corner, there is a wireframe sphere with a hexagonal pattern, representing a radar. A black line originates from this sphere and extends outward from the radar, terminating at an arrow inside a circular magnified area. A wavy horizontal blue line follows the black arrow and signifies the radar beams coming from the radar. The circular magnified area displays three types of precipitation: snow, hail, and rain. Each type is depicted with a symbol and accompanied by a small navy blue line to highlight the relative diameter of each precipitation type. The snow is illustrated with a snowflake above the line, the hail with a gray cloud-like shape, and a semicircle for the rain. The background consists of soft, blurred clouds.

Credit: National Weather Service

animation showing the simultaneous images of base reflectivity, Doppler velocities, and correlation coefficient

Weather radar map showing intense storm activity with red and orange areas, surrounded by yellow and green zones, overlaying a terrain map.
animation showing the simultaneous images of base reflectivity, Doppler velocities, and correlation coefficient
Text description of the animation showing the simultaneous images of base reflectivity, Doppler velocities, and correlation coefficient image.

This series of images depicts a radar map displaying storm activity through reflectivity, velocity, and correlation coefficient lenses. The reflectivity map show values ranging from -15 to 90 dBz with heavier rain being shown in orange and red. The velocity map is a combination of green and red hues and the correlation coefficient map is a range of purples, greens, yellows, and blues.  A detailed map of the underlying terrain and rivers is faintly visible beneath the radar imagery. A legend on the left side of the image represents the scalebar for each image. A label in the lower right corner changes between "Base Reflectivity", "Storm-Relative Velocity", and "Correlation Coefficient" as each new image appears.

Credit: Used with permission, Gibson Ridge Software / National Weather Service

corresponding area has low values

Meteorological radar map showing Tornado Debris Signature within a colored square mosaic, labeled, with a correlation coefficient scale on the side.
corresponding area has low values
Text description of the corresponding area has low values image.

The image is a map showing correlation coefficient with a color scale bar on the left ranging from 45% to 100%. The map is filled with a mosaic of colored squares, primarily in shades of red, purple, green, and blue, indicating varying correlation values. A black circle is drawn around a small cluster of lower correlation coefficient values, indicating a "Tornado Debris Signature" as pointed out by an adjoining label and arrow. The background includes a map of terrain features, such as rivers and fields, particularly visible in the lower right quadrant. The label "Correlation Coefficient" is placed in the bottom right corner of the map.

Credit: Used with permission, Gibson Ridge Software / National Weather Service

“precipitation type” radar reflectivity images

Weather map showing rain and snow in the Pacific Northwest as of October 18, 2017.
“precipitation type” radar reflectivity images
Text description of the “precipitation type” radar reflectivity images image.

The image is a weather map of the northwestern United States, showing precipitation patterns. There is a large green shaded region over Western Washington State indicating rain over the Pacific Northwest. The green hues are contrasted with areas of white and pink to the north, suggesting mixed precipitation and snow. The map shows state boundaries but no city labels. The northwest coast is outlined by the Pacific Ocean.

Credit: Penn State Department of Meteorology and Atmospheric Science

 

Summary: Satellite and Radar Imagery