This Web-based module is a component of the Integrated Sensor Training (IST) Professional Development Series (PDS) Professional Competency Unit #6-Satellite Data and Products. This module provides a closer look at the capabilities, products, and applications available to operational weather forecasting with the present suite of microwave instruments onboard both NOAA and DMSP satellites. If you wish, you may launch the module from this page.
• Identify the primary products available from current operational microwave sensors
• Compare and contrast the advantages and limitations of conical and cross-track scanning
• Describe the differences between ascending and descending satellite passes
• State the limitations of microwave data near coastlines
• Describe the differences in how emission and scattering channels sense microwave energy
• Compare and contrast TPW and CLW
• State the reason that TPW and CLW can’t be retrieved over land
• State the key advantage of microwave instruments over visible/infrared instruments
July 2014: The material in this 1999 lesson has been updated and is covered in greater detail by the newer four part series entitled "Microwave Remote Sensing": https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_course.php?id=15
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