What role do satellites play in modern meteorology?

Satellites play a crucial role in modern meteorology by providing large-scale observations of weather patterns and conditions from space. This capability enables meteorologists to monitor extensive areas of the Earth's atmosphere, which is essential for understanding weather systems, tracking storms, and analyzing climatic changes.

By capturing images and data across various wavelengths, satellites can observe cloud formations, temperature variations, moisture levels, and wind patterns over vast regions, which is vital for both short-term forecasting and long-term climate studies. They offer a comprehensive view that ground-based observations alone cannot provide, improving the accuracy of weather forecasts and enhancing our understanding of atmospheric processes.

The other options, while relevant to various aspects of meteorology, do not encompass the full extent of satellite capabilities. For instance, storm tracking is just one function among many, localized weather predictions typically rely on a combination of data, including ground observations, and measuring ground temperatures is a specific task not performed by satellites alone. Thus, the ability to gather wide-ranging observational data from space is what underscores the importance of satellites in meteorology.