EMR Interactions

Question 1

How can EMR interact with the Earth?

Answer 1

Refraction, Absorption, Scattering, or Reflection

Question 2

Refraction definition

Answer 2

The bending of light as it passes through mediums of different densities

Question 3

Snell’s Law definition

Answer 3

calculates the amount of bending based on the angle of incidence and the optical density of each substance

Question 4

Absorption definiton

Answer 4

Atmospheric molecules absorb EMR and convert it to a different energy (usually to heat)

Question 5

Atmospheric Transmission

Answer 5

the opposite of absorption

Question 6

Scattering definition

Answer 6

when energy is mostly scattered (sent in all random directions) when it hits a particle

Question 7

Rayleigh Scatter

Answer 7

Particles are SMALLER than wavelength
why the sky is blue and sunrise is red

Question 8

Mie Scatter

Answer 8

Particles are EQUAL to wavelength
Common with polution, smoke, and dust

Question 9

Non-selective Scatter

Answer 9

Particle is LARGER than wavelength
why clouds are white

Question 10

Specular Reflection

Answer 10

Mirror like reflection
angle of incidence = exitance

Question 11

Diffuse Reflection

Answer 11

Reflection at many angles rather than just one
Most important in RS
Contain spectral info on “color” of features

Question 12

Radiant Flux definition

Answer 12

The amount of energy radiated on to, off of, or through a surface per unit time, measured in watts (W)

Question 13

Thermosphere

Answer 13

Top layer, 480km up, very hot but we wouldn’t feel it because the heat is a product of molecules vibrating from solar radiation, no heat exchange

Question 14

Mesosphere

Answer 14

2nd highest layer, 80km up, coldest layer due to lowest density, things burn up here due to friction

Question 15

Stratosphere

Answer 15

3rd highest layer, 50km up, Ozone, airplanes, warmer as you get higher

Question 16

Troposphere

Answer 16

Lowest level, 0-12km, most active, the higher the colder

Question 17

Environmental Lapse Rate

Answer 17

temperature decreases 6.5c per km of altitude increase (troposphere)

Question 18

Insolation

Answer 18

Incoming solar radiation

Question 19

Irradiance

Answer 19

The amount of radiant flux per incident per unit area at a specific wavelength

Question 20

Radiance

Question 21

Digital Numbers

Answer 21

computer/pixel representations of a brightness

Question 22

Spectral Signature

Answer 22

Variation of spectral reflectance to create unique markers for that object