HOPKINS GLOSSARY OF WEATHER TERMS I

image mode (or scan mode)

• The process that the radiometer sensors onboard a geosynchronous satellite produces an image of the earth-atmosphere system by scanning the portion of the disk and measuring the electromagnetic radiation that the planetary system emits. Visible or infrared images are produced when in the onboard radiometers are in the image mode. Contrast with the sounder mode.

infrared sensor

• A device that can detect electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths that are greater than the visible radiation. Weather satellites use infrared sensors or radiometers to produce infrared images of the earth-atmosphere system. Contrast with a visible sensor.

in situ

instrument

• Any device used to make quantitative observations and measurements.

instrument platform

• Any support structure or vehicle that contains instruments used to make quantitative observations and measurements. Radiosondes and weather satellites are examples of instrument platforms used in meteorology.