On the Use of SAC-C Satellite Images in Meteorology and Oceanography

Abstract The Program “SAC-C en las escuelas” (SAC-C in Schools) began three years ago. Its goal is to present the various applications of the information obtained from Earth observational systems from space included in the National Space Plan. The targets are intermediate and senior high school teachers. The current goal is to incorporate the SAC-C observations in Meteorology and Oceanography related topics into the program. The meteorological applications include cloud recognition and continental ice and snow cover. The five bands of the SAC-C allow the recognition proposed due to the fact that water in the atmosphere in the different phases has different spectral responses. They are illustrated with several images that show the general types of clouds identified for their characteristic patterns. To facilitate the relative size recognition and the existence, or not, of the ice phase (possible storm tracers), several introductory images are shown where the sky is partially covered and clear geographical patterns can be distinguished, such us some large Patagonian lakes. The images are complemented with basic facts about clouds, their internal composition and their relationship with different weather conditions. The SAC-C oceanographic application is based on the ocean color. There is a direct relationship between color and phytoplankton, the first link in the ocean food chain. This one is related with chlorophyll, which has a characteristic spectral signature in the electromagnetic spectrum visible region. With the elements acquired the teachers should be able present the class with concepts related to cloud and snow cover and continental ice shelf. Ocean phytoplankton concentration maps could be prepared regarding their connection with commercial fishing.