The Use of Satellite Data to Map Excessive Cloud Mass

The Use of Satellite Data to Map Excessive Cloud Mass
Author: James T. Bunting
Publisher:
Total Pages: 22
Release: 1976
Genre: Clouds
ISBN:

A preliminary report on a method to estimate cloud ice and water content from archived satellite data is presented. The ultimate purpose is the identification and mapping of clouds with excessive mass to produce a climatology for the SAMSO ABRES program. The only suitable archive of satellite data consists of visible and infrared (IR) window measurements taken by scanning radiometers on board NOAA satellites. Starting in 1973, these measurements have been archived digitally each day in 2048 X 2048 arrays covering each hemisphere. In this report, the visible and IR window measurements are related to cloud mass by simultaneous observation of clouds from satellites and aircraft in 11 cases taken in 1974. Additional cases (including 24 in 1975) will be included in subsequent reports. The satellite data and archive are described. Results of the 1974 cases are given in the form of a simple scattergram relating cloud mass integrated through all altitudes to the joint measurements of IR temperature and visible luminance of the cloud. A preliminary application of the scattergram to a cyclonic storm on 23 and 24 July 1973 is made to identify areas of high cloud mass. (Author).

The Use of Satellite Data to Map Excessive Cloud Mass

The Use of Satellite Data to Map Excessive Cloud Mass
Author: James T. Bunting
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 1976
Genre: Clouds
ISBN:

A preliminary report on a method to estimate cloud ice and water content from archived satellite data is presented. The ultimate purpose is the identification and mapping of clouds with excessive mass to produce a climatology for the SAMSO ABRES program. The only suitable archive of satellite data consists of visible and infrared (IR) window measurements taken by scanning radiometers on board NOAA satellites. Starting in 1973, these measurements have been archived digitally each day in 2048 X 2048 arrays covering each hemisphere. In this report, the visible and IR window measurements are related to cloud mass by simultaneous observation of clouds from satellites and aircraft in 11 cases taken in 1974. Additional cases (including 24 in 1975) will be included in subsequent reports. The satellite data and archive are described. Results of the 1974 cases are given in the form of a simple scattergram relating cloud mass integrated through all altitudes to the joint measurements of IR temperature and visible luminance of the cloud. A preliminary application of the scattergram to a cyclonic storm on 23 and 24 July 1973 is made to identify areas of high cloud mass. (Author)

Meteorological Satellite Measurements and Applications

Meteorological Satellite Measurements and Applications
Author: James T. Bunting
Publisher:
Total Pages: 24
Release: 1977
Genre: Atmospheric physics
ISBN:

Several current programs in satellite meteorology at the Air Force Geophysics Laboratory are reviewed. First of all, the use of reflected sunlight at both visible and near infrared frequencies to distinguish snow from clouds is described. Secondly, a technique of compositing pictures of many typhoon cases in order to relate cloud features to typhoon motion is discussed. Finally, the use of visible and infrared imagery to estimate erosion parameters for reentry systems is described. (Author).

Variation in Ground Brightness Over Northeastern United States as Sensed by GOES Satellites

Variation in Ground Brightness Over Northeastern United States as Sensed by GOES Satellites
Author: Thomas J. Keegan
Publisher:
Total Pages: 24
Release: 1978
Genre: Cloud forecasting
ISBN:

The first step in an investigation of the use of satellite imagery data in automated short-range forecasts of clouds and precipitation is to examine the variation in ground brightness under clear-sky conditions. Bedford, Massachusetts, Albany, New York, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Dulles International Airport, Virginia, were selected as test sites for the period March to December 1977. Data were corrected for error and noise. Navigation was fine-tuned to an accuracy of 1 to 2 pixels. Average, standard deviation, maximum, minimum and range of brightness were computed over a range of area sizes around each station in order to establish a stable sample size. The statistics stabilized by a 5 x 5 pixel area. Although the number of cases was small, necessitating combining stations, the correlation between brightness and sun angle was high. The slope of the regression curve between these variables was steeper in spring and fall than in summer. Additional data are needed, but it is expected that they will refine rather than revise significantly the present results. (Author).