HOPKINS GLOSSARY OF WEATHER TERMS V
vector
- Any quantity that is described uniquely by both magnitude
and direction at each point in space; compare with a scalar
quantity. Examples of vectors include velocity and
acceleration.
velocity
- A vector quantity representing the time rate of the
change of position. The direction of motion and the magnitude
(speed) of the velocity vector must be specified. Units of the
magnitude of velocity are length per time, such as meters per
second, or miles per hour.
Video Integrator and Processor
(VIP)
visible sensor
- A device that can detect electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths
that are in the visible portion of the electromagnetic radiation
spectrum. Weather satellites use visible sensors or radiometers
to produce visible images of the earth-atmosphere system. Contrast
with a infrared sensor.
Last update 6 June 1996
Edward J. Hopkins, Ph.D.
Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences
University of Wisconsin-Madison
hopkins@meteor.wisc.edu