Quiz 7 Solutions

1.) What is the major, unique characteristic of a geostationary satellite? (2pts)

The key point I was looking for hear is that a geostationary satellite remains over the same geographic location on Earth.

2.) Describe, briefly, how a satellite can be used to calculate upper-level winds. (2pts)

Satellites are used to track cloud movement over a period of time. By observing how far the cloud moves in that period of time, an estimate of the upper level wind speeds can be calculated.

3.) Compared to rawindsonde observations, what is a major advantage of satellite drerived observations? (2pts)

I was looking for either:

- observations are taken more often

- observations can be taken over locations that usually do not have an upper air observation site (ie: oceans)

However, several people came up with a few other answers, while not discussed in class, I felt were valid and I accepted.

4.) From the reading, what is one of the most difficult aspects of hurricanes to forecast?

c.) Hurricane intensity - This may be a bit controversial, but over the long run, hurricane intensity forecasts are the most difficult. Our reading in fact says that intensity forecasts still do not have much skill.

5.) From the reading, what do many meteorologists consider more dangerous than the wind during a hurricane? (2pts)

Although winds may be one of the first things thought of when people mention hurricanes, it is the associated storm surge and flooding that causes much of the loss of life and property.