MTMG38-Remote Sensing

Module Provider: Meteorology
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Spring term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites: MTMG02 Atmospheric Physics
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Prof Emily Black
Email: e.c.l.black@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module describes how to obtain quantitative information about the contents and state of the atmosphere using electromagnetic waves. We will consider a variety of techniques based on absorption, scattering and emission processes. We will also cover various remote sensing instruments, including radiometers, sun-photometers, radars, and lidars.

Aims:
This module aims to review fundamentals of radiative transfer as applied to remote sensing, and to develop knowledge of the theory and practice of passive and active remote sensing of meteorological parameters from space and ground.

Assessable learning outcomes:

By the end of the module the student should be able to:

• Distinguish and describe the platforms and designs of remote sensing instruments;


• Identify and explain theoretical principles of ground- and satellite-based remote sensing measurements;


• Develop and evaluate retrieval methods for sensing aerosols, clouds, precipitation, and atmospheric profiles of temperature and humidity.

Additional outcomes:
Recognize the advantages and the limitations of ground- and satellite-based remote sensing techniques
£ Develop skills in data analysis and radiative transfer simulations

Outline content:

The lecture content covers:

Satellite orbits and sensor types;

• Passive spectrometers and detectors;


• The nature of radiation;


• Radiative transfer with scattering;


• Sensing aerosols by extinction methods;


• Sensing aerosols and clouds by reflected sunlight;


• Microwave radiometry;


• Sensing water vapor and clouds by emission;


• Sensing by emission: microwave sounding;


• Remote sensing of precipitation;


• Active remote sensing: radar and lidar.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

Lectures, assignments, MOOC modules, and class project. Class projects will involve analyses of ground- and satellite- based measurements.

Reading:

1. G. L. Stephens, Remote Sensing of the Lower Atmosphere, 1994, Oxford University Press


2. G. W. Petty, A First Course in Atmospheric Radiation, 2006, 2nd Ed., Sundog Publishing.


3. K.-N. Liou, An Introduction to Atmospheric Radiation, 2nd Ed., Academic Press.


4. M. Goody and Y. L. Yung, Atmospheric Radiation: Theoretical Basis, 1995, 2nd Ed., Oxford University Press.


5. S. Q. Kidder and T. H. Vonder Haar, Satellite Meteorology: An Introduction, 1995, Academic Press.


6. W. G. Rees, Physical Principles of Remote Sensing, 2001, 2nd. Edition, Cambridge University Press.

Reading lists for meteorology modules are available here:  https://reading.rl.talis.com/departments/mps_met.html&nbs p; .

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures		17
Seminars		1
Tutorials		4
Practicals classes and workshops		0
Guided independent study:		78
Total hours by term		100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Report	30
Set exercise	10
Class test administered by School	60

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

• Class test administered by school: 60%


• Online open book quizzes: 10%


• Group project write up: 30%

Formative assessment methods:

Each weekly lecture finishes with a series of problems, related to the theory seen in the lecture and solved together.

Penalties for late submission:

The below information applies to students on taught programmes except those on Postgraduate Flexible programmes. Penalties for late submission, and the associated procedures, which apply to Postgraduate Flexible programmes are specified in the policy £Penalties for late submission for Postgraduate Flexible programmes£, which can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmissionpgflexible.pdf
The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:

50% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
For candidates who have failed, an opportunity to take a resit examination will be provided within the lifetime of the course.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books: 2) Specialist equipment or materials: 3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear: 4) Printing and binding: 5) Computers and devices with a particular specification: 6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:

Last updated: 22 September 2022