Question 3

What specific observing capability onboard POES enables the retrieval of temperature and moisture profiles in cloudy regions? (Click the button for the best answer below.) a) A microwave sounder. b) An infrared sounder. c) A lower earth orbit. d) Both visible and infrared imagers and sounders. Discussion a) is the correct response. NOAA-15 and DMSP polar satellites incorporate a microwave sensing capability (microwave sounders) that can penetrate clouds, regardless of the height of the orbiting platform. Atmospheric temperature and moisture as well as surface properties can be retrieved in areas where clouds would otherwise limit visible and infrared observations.