Interactions with Surface and Atmosphere

This lecture covers the interactions between the surface and the atmosphere, focusing on the thermal properties of natural surfaces, the influence of water content on soil thermal properties, and the use of microwave remote sensing to estimate soil moisture. It also discusses the impact of the atmosphere on remote sensing measurements, including absorption, diffusion, and refraction. Different Earth observation platforms, such as satellites and aircraft, are presented, along with their specific missions and technologies. The lecture concludes with a discussion on the principles of heliosynchronous and geostationary orbits, as well as the various satellite missions dedicated to Earth observation.