Interaction of atmosphere and EM radiation

Introduction

Before the Sun’s radiation reaches the Earth’s surface, three RS-relevant interactions in the atmosphere have occurred: absorption, transmission, and scattering. The transmitted radiation is then either absorbed by the surface material or reflected. Before reaching a remote sensor, the reflected radiation is also subject to scattering and absorption in the atmosphere (Figure 1).

Figure 1. Interactions of EM radiation
with the atmosphere and the
Earth’s surface.

 

Outgoing relations

Incoming relations

Learning paths