Interactions with Surface and Atmosphere: Remote Sensing Principles

This lecture covers the interactions between electromagnetic radiation (EMR) and the Earth's surface and atmosphere, focusing on the principles of remote sensing. It begins with the concepts of refraction and reflection, including Snell's law and Brewster's angle, which describe how light behaves at the interface of different media. The lecture then discusses the energy balance of solar radiation absorbed and reflected by the atmosphere and surface, emphasizing the importance of thermal inertia in understanding temperature variations. The instructor explains how different surfaces, such as water and soil, respond to solar radiation, highlighting the role of moisture content in thermal properties. The lecture also introduces microwave remote sensing, detailing how it can effectively measure soil moisture due to the distinct dielectric constants of water and soil. Finally, the lecture outlines the various platforms for remote sensing, including terrestrial, aerial, and satellite systems, and discusses the significance of atmospheric windows for effective data collection.