How Satellites Measure Earth’s Surface Temperature and Reflectance #251577 (License: Personal Use)

This diagram illustrates the remote sensing process: sunlight (shortwave radiation) reaches Earth’s surface, where it is absorbed, transmitted, or reflected; the surface then emits longwave infrared radiation, which a satellite sensor captures. The satellite uses this data to analyze land cover, surface temperature, and ecosystem health across diverse terrains like deserts, forests, and water bodies.

Used in educational materials, environmental science websites, and remote sensing tutorials to explain passive satellite sensing principles; matches user intent for learning about climate monitoring, GIS, or Earth observation technologies.