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Purpose: The purpose of this lab is to be able to identify clouds and interpret satellite data. The ability to identify clouds will aid in your ability to recognize vertical level of the cloud as well as its cloud characteristics. The ability to interpret satellite data will offer a different perspective from someone on Eath, giving a top-down view.
Learning Objectives: To be able to identify and describe different clouds and interpret weather from satellites.
Clouds are identified and named depending on how high in the atmosphere they are located.
Geostationary satellites are placed high in the atmosphere to maintain a consistent perspective of Earth at all times. Polar-orbiting satellites are closer to the Earth to achieve a look at both poles quickly multiple times a day. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
Visible imagery gives a "realistic" view of what is going on in the atmosphere, however, cannot be used at night as there is no sunlight.
Infrared imagery is available 24 hours a day and observes the longwave radiation from the Earth.
Water vapor imagery indicates how much moisture is in the air.
Using satellite data can indicate cloud tops and thunderstorm intensity.
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