Regional and Mesoscale Meteorology Branch

Oxygen and Water Vapor Absorption Bands

Introduction

This module provides a brief overview of the oxygen and water vapor absorption regions in the microwave spectrum. Example imagery illustrates how microwave channels located within these absorption regions can be used to determine atmospheric temperature and moisture profiles.

Training Session Options

NOAA/NWS students – to begin the training, use the web-based video, YouTube video, or audio playback options below (if present for this session). Certificates of completion for NOAA/NWS employees can be obtained by accessing the session via the Commerce Learning Center.

1. Web-based video

    

2. MP4 video

    

3. YouTube video:

References/Additional Links

• Talking points are available for this lesson and may be printed out to easily review the session in detail at any time.
• Powerpoint file
• PDF version of this training module
• Microwave Remote Sensing: Clouds, Precipitation, and Water Vapor
• A First Course in Atmospheric Radiation, 2nd Ed. (Petty 2006)
• Satellite Meteorology: An Introduction (Kidder and Vonder Haar 1995)