What is the wavelength range of thermal infrared (TIR)?

The wavelength range of thermal infrared (TIR) radiation encompasses 3.0 to 14.0 micrometers. This range is significant in remote sensing and environmental studies as it corresponds to the energy emitted by objects at typical terrestrial temperatures. In the thermal infrared range, sensors can detect the heat emitted from surfaces, providing insights into land use, vegetation health, soil moisture, and other ecological and atmospheric properties.

In remote sensing applications, the ability to capture thermal infrared data enables the identification of heat signatures, which is essential for various analyses such as urban heat island research, agricultural monitoring, and climate change studies. Understanding this specific wavelength range helps in the selection and use of appropriate sensors for capturing thermal data, thus facilitating effective analysis in GIS and environmental science.