Visions from Above
One of the best-known uses of satellites is weather monitoring. Since the 1960s, satellites have been vital in predicting where and when tropical storms, hurricanes, floods, cyclones, tidal waves and even forest fires may strike. The annual cost of this advance information, which allows time to prepare for these events, adds up to about $5 for each American.
Warm water fuels hurricanes. Satellites can detect sea surface temperatures and determine when a hurricane is forming.
On the image above, orange and red indicate 82 F and warmer. Photo courtesy NASA.
From June through November every year, the tropical Atlantic becomes a meteorological mixing bowl with all the necessary ingredients for hurricane formation. Satellites monitor and track the development and movement of hurricanes. Photo courtesy NASA
The National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States. Television weathercasters and private companies prepare their forecasts using this information. With satellites, it is possible to track weather systems from their inception and study the formation of thunderstorms, squalls, and jet streams.
(Above) Winter snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere. Snow cover is a critical water resource.
More that 75 percent of the water for human consumption and irrigation in the western U.S. comes from snow melt runoff.
(Below, right) A satellite captured this view of a massive
low pressure system as it approached the northern
California coast. The storm delivered high winds,
heavy rain, and significant snow in higher elevations.
 |
| Click on thumbnail above to view full-sized image. |
(Left) Scientists are using satellites to monitor worldwide lightning. Where does lightning strike most frequently?
(Right) A satellite captured this view of a massive low pressure system as it approached the northern California coast. The storm delivered high winds, heavy rain, and significant snow in higher elevations.