Identify geographical features and surface characteristics and conditions through images and satellite products. Although surface features are not the main purpose of meteorological forecasting, being able to identifying and distinguish them from atmospheric features can be useful. More specific in-depth usage of satellite data in specialized areas, such hydrology, climatology and agrometeorology, is not currently considered.

Expected Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module students should be able to identify the following:

• Terrain and geographical features.
• Surface characteristics and conditions, including dry/wet, different vegetation types and clear areas, sand and desert.
• Identify snow/ice cover and analyse its extent.

Learn about the identification of clouds such as Stratus, Cumulus and Cirrus from satellite images, and  discover various methods to derive cloud height information. Microphysical properties of clouds like cloud phase and cloud particle size are also addressed.

Expected Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module students should be able to identify and locate the following:

• High and mid-level cumuliform and stratiform clouds.
• Low clouds like fog and stratus.
• Ship trails and contrails.
• How to assign cloud top height.
• How to identify and make use of cloud phase and cloud particle size information.

Expected Learning Outcomes

At the end of this module students should be able to identify and locate the following:

• Dust and sand storms and plumes and areas of raised dust.
• Fires and smoke.
• Moisture features, precipitation types and amounts.
• Volcanic ash particulates, Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) and other chemical emissions.
• Aerosol and particulate pollution.
• Features indicating regions of clear air turbulence.