Applied Satellite Meteorology
Principles, Products and Operational Applications
Explore the science of weather from space and discover how satellite observations transform modern meteorology.
Satellites have revolutionised the way we observe, understand and predict the Earth's atmosphere. From monitoring cloud systems and tracking tropical cyclones to analysing monsoon circulation, estimating rainfall and supporting disaster early-warning systems, satellite meteorology has become an indispensable component of modern weather forecasting.
Applied Satellite Meteorology: Principles, Products and Operational Applications provides a comprehensive exploration of satellite-based atmospheric observation, remote sensing techniques, meteorological products and their practical applications in operational weather services.
The book bridges the gap between theoretical concepts and real-world meteorological applications. It introduces the fundamental principles of satellite remote sensing, satellite orbits, sensors, spectral channels and image interpretation before progressing towards advanced satellite products and their applications in weather analysis and forecasting.
Readers will explore the interpretation of visible, infrared and water vapour imagery, multispectral observations and RGB composites, including Day Microphysics, Night Microphysics and Dust RGB products. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding cloud characteristics, atmospheric moisture distribution, cloud-top properties, convection and synoptic-scale weather systems.
The book also examines the applications of satellite observations in:
Tropical Cyclone Monitoring: Storm detection, centre identification, intensity estimation, cloud organisation and cyclone evolution.
Monsoon Analysis: Monitoring monsoon circulation, moisture transport, convection and rainfall distribution.
Precipitation Estimation: Understanding satellite-based quantitative precipitation estimates and their applications in rainfall monitoring.
Agriculture and Drought Monitoring: Vegetation indices, land-surface temperature, evapotranspiration and agricultural assessment.
Aviation Meteorology: Fog detection, cloud monitoring, convective hazards and aviation weather support.
Disaster Management: Satellite-based monitoring of floods, droughts, cyclones, severe weather and environmental hazards.
Numerical Weather Prediction: Applications of satellite observations in atmospheric analysis, data assimilation and forecast improvement.
Special attention is given to operational interpretation of satellite meteorological products, their applications, limitations and essential precautions in scientific analysis. The discussion of INSAT satellite observations, particularly INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR applications, provides an important regional perspective on satellite meteorology and weather services over the Indian subcontinent.
What You Will Learn
Fundamental principles of satellite meteorology and atmospheric remote sensing.
Satellite platforms, orbital configurations and meteorological sensors.
Spectral characteristics and applications of visible, infrared, shortwave infrared and water vapour channels.
Techniques for interpreting satellite images and multispectral RGB composites.
Identification of cloud systems, atmospheric moisture patterns and convective structures.
Satellite applications in tropical cyclone forecasting and monsoon monitoring.
Meteorological applications of rainfall, vegetation, aerosol and land-surface products.
Operational integration of satellite data into weather forecasting and disaster management.
Who Should Read This Book?
