ANALYSIS OF SATELLITE INFRARED RADIATION MEASUREMENTS ON A SYNOPTIC SCALE

Abstract

Long-wave radiation loss maps, based on Explorer VII measurements of terrestrial radiation at night, are analyzed and compared with composite nephanalyses and frontal analyses. Results indicate a definite relationship between the radiation centers and their corresponding surface low and high pressure centers, their locations, 24-hour intensifications and movements, and the conformity of these movements to the 500-mb. geostrophic flow. Some of the potential applications to analysis and forecasting are noted.