Introduction

Satellite meteorology and climate studies play a crucial role in understanding weather patterns, climate variability, and long-term climate change. Satellites provide comprehensive data on atmospheric conditions, ocean temperatures, land cover, and other environmental parameters that are essential for climate modeling, forecasting, and disaster management. This training course will focus on the use of satellite data for weather observation, climate monitoring, and the application of remote sensing technologies in understanding and addressing global environmental challenges. Participants will explore both the theoretical foundations and practical applications of satellite-based meteorology and climate science.

Objectives

By the end of the course, participants will:

1. Understand the role of satellites in weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and environmental observations.
2. Learn how to interpret and analyze satellite data related to meteorology and climate.
3. Gain insight into various satellite sensors, their capabilities, and data acquisition methods.
4. Explore the applications of satellite meteorology in climate change analysis, weather prediction, and environmental management.
5. Develop skills in using satellite data for climate models, forecasts, and decision-making.
6. Understand the challenges of satellite data integration and its use in operational meteorology and climate science.
7. Learn about global initiatives and programs that leverage satellite data for climate and environmental monitoring.
8. Build practical knowledge in the application of satellite meteorology in the context of disaster response, water resource management, and agriculture.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for:

• Meteorologists and atmospheric scientists
• Climate scientists and researchers
• Environmental consultants and analysts
• Remote sensing professionals
• Disaster management specialists
• Hydrologists and water resource managers
• Agricultural scientists and practitioners
• Government officials involved in environmental and climate policy
• Students and academics in meteorology, climate science, and remote sensing
• Technologists and engineers working with satellite systems and data analysis

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Satellite Meteorology and Climate Science

• Session 1: Fundamentals of Meteorology and Climate Science
  • Basic principles of meteorology: Atmospheric layers, weather systems, and climate drivers
  • The role of satellites in observing and understanding weather and climate
  • Overview of key meteorological parameters: Temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, pressure
  • The relationship between weather and climate: Long-term patterns and short-term fluctuations
• Session 2: Satellite Systems and Remote Sensing Technologies
  • Types of satellites used for meteorology and climate studies (Geostationary vs. Polar-Orbiting)
  • Overview of remote sensing technology and how it supports climate monitoring
  • Different satellite sensors: Passive vs. active sensors, imaging and non-imaging systems
  • Data acquisition methods: Resolution, spectral bands, and revisit times
• Session 3: Key Satellite Platforms for Climate and Weather Monitoring
  • Overview of major satellite missions (e.g., GOES, METEOSAT, MODIS, Suomi NPP)
  • Functionality of satellites for observing the atmosphere, oceans, and land surfaces
  • Introduction to satellite imagery and data processing techniques
• Practical Session: Introduction to satellite data visualization tools and online platforms (NASA Worldview, Copernicus Sentinel Hub)

Day 2: Understanding Satellite Data for Weather Observation

• Session 1: Satellite Observations of Atmospheric Variables
  • Using satellite data to measure temperature, pressure, and humidity profiles
  • Understanding cloud patterns, precipitation measurements, and storm tracking
  • Winds, sea surface temperature (SST), and atmospheric circulation from satellite data
  • Analyzing infrared and visible satellite imagery for weather forecasting
• Session 2: Advanced Weather Prediction Models Using Satellite Data
  • Integrating satellite data into weather forecasting models
  • The role of satellite data in global and regional weather prediction systems
  • Examples of operational forecasting models (e.g., ECMWF, GFS)
  • Satellite-derived data in tracking cyclones, hurricanes, and extreme weather events
• Session 3: Satellite-Based Monitoring of Severe Weather Events
  • Monitoring and tracking severe weather: Cyclones, droughts, floods, and wildfires
  • The importance of real-time satellite data in disaster management
  • Case studies: Satellite tracking of recent extreme weather events and climate anomalies
• Practical Session: Hands-on analysis of satellite imagery to track weather systems and storms

Day 3: Climate Monitoring and Long-Term Observations Using Satellites

• Session 1: Satellite-Based Climate Change Monitoring
  • Satellite data for long-term climate change studies: Temperature trends, ice cover, sea-level rise
  • The role of satellites in measuring greenhouse gases (GHG): CO2, CH4, and aerosol concentrations
  • Climate variables from satellite data: Sea surface temperature, land use, and vegetation cover
  • Global warming: Satellite observations of melting glaciers, deforestation, and ocean acidification
• Session 2: Satellite-Based Global Climate Monitoring Programs
  • Introduction to global satellite-based climate monitoring programs (e.g., CMIP, Global Climate Observing System – GCOS)
  • International collaborations: Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S)
  • Data standardization, archiving, and open access to satellite climate data
  • How satellite data informs climate policy, agreements (e.g., Paris Agreement), and climate action
• Session 3: Long-Term Data Integration and Climate Modeling
  • Combining satellite data with ground-based observations and climate models
  • Applications in understanding decadal climate variability and extreme events
  • Case studies: Monitoring of El Niño and La Niña events using satellite data
• Practical Session: Using climate data from satellites to analyze long-term climate trends and variability

Day 4: Advanced Techniques in Satellite Data Analysis

• Session 1: Remote Sensing Techniques for Climate and Weather Applications
  • Processing and interpreting satellite data for specific meteorological and climate applications
  • Working with different types of satellite imagery: Optical, radar, and thermal infrared
  • Advanced image processing techniques: Classification, calibration, and atmospheric corrections
• Session 2: Data Fusion and Integration for Weather and Climate Applications
  • Combining satellite data with ground-based observations, model outputs, and other environmental data
  • The role of data assimilation in improving weather and climate predictions
  • Multi-sensor data fusion techniques and their applications in environmental monitoring
• Session 3: Satellite Data for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
  • Using satellite data to assess environmental vulnerabilities and risks (e.g., drought, flood mapping)
  • Disaster response and early warning systems using satellite monitoring
  • Real-time applications: Monitoring heatwaves, wildfires, and flood events using satellite data
• Practical Session: Analyzing multi-source satellite data for disaster risk management

Day 5: Future Directions and Applications of Satellite Meteorology and Climate Science

• Session 1: Emerging Satellite Technologies in Meteorology and Climate
  • Advances in satellite sensor technology and new satellite missions
  • Next-generation satellite missions (e.g., SWOT, TRISHNA, and GeoX)
  • The role of constellations of small satellites in weather and climate monitoring
• Session 2: Climate Prediction and Adaptation Using Satellite Data
  • Using satellites for regional and local climate change impact assessments
  • Satellite applications in agriculture, water resources, and urban planning under climate change
  • Climate adaptation strategies: Leveraging satellite data to guide resilience planning
• Session 3: Data Accessibility and Policy Implications
  • Open data policies and the role of satellite data in international climate cooperation
  • The future of satellite meteorology and climate data integration into global climate policy
  • Satellite data applications in sustainable development goals (SDGs)
• Practical Session: Group project on designing a satellite-based climate monitoring program for a region