What is the primary function of weather satellites?

The primary function of weather satellites is to monitor weather patterns from space. These satellites are equipped with advanced technology that allows them to capture images and collect data about various atmospheric conditions, including cloud cover, storms, temperature, and precipitation over vast areas. By observing weather systems from above, they provide meteorologists with essential information for forecasting weather and tracking changes in climatic conditions.

Weather satellites play a crucial role in gathering data that aids in understanding large-scale weather phenomena, such as hurricanes, front systems, and seasonal changes. This satellite data is invaluable for predicting weather events and issuing warnings, which ultimately helps in disaster preparedness and response.

The other options, while important in their own contexts, do not represent the primary role of weather satellites. For instance, measuring temperature and humidity is a function associated with ground-based weather stations and certain types of satellites, but it is not their central purpose. Predicting earthquakes and volcanic activity falls within the domain of geological monitoring, and while some satellite technology may assist indirectly in related studies, it is not specifically focused on weather. Providing real-time traffic data pertains to transportation and logistics, which is unrelated to the functions of weather satellites.