Event Rules
How many people can be on a team?
There can be up to 2 people on a team!
The entire range of all types of electromagnetic radiation, arranged by frequency, wavelength, and energy.
Electromagnetic Spectrum
When energy hits an object, is it A reflected, B absorbed, C transmitted, or D all of the above?
D
Which remote sensing approach (passive/active and spectral band) would be most suitable, and why?
Passive multispectral remote sensing, specifically utilizing the Red Edge and Near-Infrared (NIR) bands to calculate the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI
What property is measured on the x-axis of this image?
Wavelength
How do the judges score in Remote Sensing?
They score by using the highest scorer wins!
Any object that orbits a larger one, encompassing natural bodies like the Moon orbiting Earth, or man-made machines launched into space for communication, navigation (GPS), weather, or research.
Satellites
What is the difference between passive and active sensors for remote sensing?
Active sensors work day/night and through clouds, whereas passive sensors generally require daylight or clear skies.
If an emergency manager needs to create a flood extent map during a major tropical storm with heavy cloud cover, why would they choose Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) over optical satellite imagery?
SAR is an active sensor that operates in the microwave spectrum, allowing it to penetrate clouds and rain, whereas passive optical sensors (like Landsat) require clear skies to detect reflected sunlight.
Does this image show an emission spectrum, absorption spectrum, or something else?
Emission spectrum
What are the permitted materials at the Science Olympiad?
They can bring in a 3-ring binder, cheat sheet, rulers, protractors, and calculators.
The science of acquiring information about the Earth’s surface, atmosphere, or oceans from a distance, typically using sensors on satellites, aircraft, or drones.
Remote Sensing
Why are certain wavelengths preferred for Earth observation?
The atmosphere and the Earth's surface interact with the electromagnetic spectrum.
Urban planners want to reduce the "Urban Heat Island" effect. How can thermal infrared remote sensing be applied to solve this?
Thermal sensors map the surface temperature of urban areas to identify hotspots versus cool spots
Consider the leftmost peak on this spectrum. What region of the electromagnetic spectrum is this peak in?
radio waves
What is the approximate time of the event?
50 minutes
A passive remote sensing instrument that captures imagery by using a linear array of detectors arranged perpendicular to the direction of flight
Push broom
Describe the 7 key elements of the remote sensing process?
Energy Source, Atmosphere, Target Interaction, Sensor, Transmission, Interpretation, Application
You need to monitor the daily movement of a small wildfire. Would you prioritize high spatial resolution or high temporal resolution, and why?
High temporal resolution
Suppose you want to use light that already exists in the atmosphere for this sensor. Is this an example of active or passive sensing?
Passive Sensors
What type of calculator could the student use for remote sensing?
Class 2 calculator!
A passive remote sensing instrument that uses an oscillating or rotating mirror to sweep across the sensor platform's flight path.
Whisk Broom
How does the electromagnetic spectrum define remote sensing?
You have to differentiate between visible, infrared, and microwave regions.
How is remote sensing used to determine the rate of deforestation in the Amazon over 10 years?
Through multi-temporal analysis, comparing archived satellite data from multiple years.
Considering the information provided, would this sensor work better with shortwave or longwave radiation?
Longwave Radiation