Atmospheric infrared sounder

Definition

An atmospheric infrared sounder is a type of satellite instrument that measures the infrared radiation emitted by the Earth's atmosphere to gather data on its temperature, humidity, and other atmospheric properties. By analyzing this radiation, scientists can create profiles of atmospheric conditions at different altitudes, which is essential for weather forecasting and climate research.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Atmospheric infrared sounders operate by detecting specific wavelengths of infrared radiation that correspond to different gases and temperature profiles in the atmosphere.
2. These instruments are crucial for improving numerical weather prediction models by providing detailed data on atmospheric profiles.
3. One of the most well-known atmospheric infrared sounders is the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) onboard NASA's Aqua satellite.
4. The data collected by infrared sounders is vital for monitoring climate change by providing long-term records of atmospheric temperature and composition.
5. Infrared sounders can provide global coverage, making them indispensable for tracking weather patterns and changes in the atmosphere across different regions.

Review Questions

• How does an atmospheric infrared sounder collect data and what kind of information does it provide?
  • An atmospheric infrared sounder collects data by measuring the infrared radiation emitted from the Earth's atmosphere. This radiation varies based on the temperature and composition of the atmosphere, allowing the instrument to infer the presence of various gases and create detailed profiles of temperature and humidity at different altitudes. The information gathered is critical for accurate weather forecasting and understanding climate dynamics.
• Evaluate the role of atmospheric infrared sounders in enhancing weather prediction models.
  • Atmospheric infrared sounders play a significant role in enhancing weather prediction models by supplying precise data on vertical temperature and humidity profiles. This information improves the initialization of models used in numerical weather prediction, leading to more accurate forecasts. Additionally, by providing real-time data over vast areas, these instruments help meteorologists monitor rapidly changing weather systems.
• Synthesize the importance of atmospheric infrared sounders in climate research and their potential impact on future environmental policies.
  • Atmospheric infrared sounders are essential tools for climate research as they offer long-term datasets on temperature and gas concentrations in the atmosphere. This information helps scientists understand trends related to climate change and assess its impacts on ecosystems and human societies. The insights gained from this research can significantly influence future environmental policies by providing evidence-based recommendations for mitigating climate change and adapting to its effects.

Related terms

Remote Sensing:

The process of obtaining information about objects or areas from a distance, typically through satellite or aerial imagery.

Radiative Transfer: The physical process that describes how radiation is absorbed, emitted, and scattered in the atmosphere.

Sounding: The technique used to measure vertical profiles of atmospheric properties, often using instruments like infrared sounders.