Which information would a scientist be less likely to receive from a weather satellite?

1 answer

A scientist would be less likely to receive detailed or localized ground-level information from a weather satellite. Weather satellites primarily collect data from the atmosphere, including temperature, humidity, cloud cover, and large-scale weather patterns. However, they might not provide specific information on ground-level conditions such as:

  1. Soil Moisture Levels - While some satellites can measure surface moisture, they may not accurately assess moisture levels deep in the soil.

  2. Air Quality Data - Satellites can detect large-scale pollution patterns, but specific air quality measurements (like particulate matter concentrations) are typically gathered by ground-based sensors.

  3. Microclimate Variations - Weather satellites cannot capture the localized effects of urban environments or geographical features that influence microclimates.

  4. Plant and Animal Behavior - Direct observations of flora and fauna, including their specific behaviors or health, are not something weather satellites can provide.

  5. Precipitation Intensity – While satellites can observe cloud patterns and rainfall estimates, they may not accurately measure the precise intensity of precipitation at the ground level.

In summary, while weather satellites provide valuable atmospheric data, localized and specific ground-level measurements are generally obtained through ground-based observations and instruments.