Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- 1 Introduction
- 2 The radiative transfer equation
- 3 Principles of invariance
- 4 Quasi-exact solution methods for the radiative transfer equation
- 5 Radiative perturbation theory
- 6 Two-stream methods for the solution of the radiative transfer equation
- 7 Transmission in individual spectral lines and in bands of lines
- 8 Absorption by gases
- 9 Light scattering theory for spheres
- 10 Effects of polarization in radiative transfer
- 11 Remote sensing applications of radiative transfer
- 12 Influence of clouds on the climate of the Earth
- Answers to problems
- List of frequently used symbols
- References
- Index
11 - Remote sensing applications of radiative transfer
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 December 2009
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- Preface
- 1 Introduction
- 2 The radiative transfer equation
- 3 Principles of invariance
- 4 Quasi-exact solution methods for the radiative transfer equation
- 5 Radiative perturbation theory
- 6 Two-stream methods for the solution of the radiative transfer equation
- 7 Transmission in individual spectral lines and in bands of lines
- 8 Absorption by gases
- 9 Light scattering theory for spheres
- 10 Effects of polarization in radiative transfer
- 11 Remote sensing applications of radiative transfer
- 12 Influence of clouds on the climate of the Earth
- Answers to problems
- List of frequently used symbols
- References
- Index
Summary
Introduction
In this chapter we will deal with the application of radiative transfer theory to atmospheric remote sensing. Remote sensing means that measurements are performed at a large distance from the physical object or medium under consideration with the purpose of retrieving its physical properties. In many cases the carrier of the physical information is electromagnetic waves. Nevertheless it is possible to observe the atmosphere, the soil, or the ocean by means of sound waves. Sodar (sound detection and ranging) and sonar (sound navigation and ranging) are techniques that employ acoustic waves.
Two basic methods known as active and passive remote sensing can be applied. ‘Active’ means that the source of the waves is man-made; for example, a laser transmitter can be used to emit light pulses which propagate through the medium under consideration. The laser light is scattered by air molecules, or it is scattered and partly absorbed by aerosol and cloud particles. The scattered laser light is then collected by a detector telescope. The amount and the amplitude of the detected pulses can then be used as a measure for transmission losses. This particular technique is called lidar (light detection and ranging). Another widely employed active technique is radar (radiation detection and ranging) where antennas emitting microwave radiation are being used.
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- Chapter
- Information
- Radiation in the AtmosphereA Course in Theoretical Meteorology, pp. 399 - 442Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2007