The Identification and Significance of Orographically Induced Clouds Observed by TIROS Satellites

Abstract

Orographic cloud patterns photographed by satellites are classified as wave-like, isolated lenticular, fibrous plume, and large single-line. Other orographic patterns consisting of rotor or cap clouds are not included because they cannot be resolved by the present satellite systems. Characteristics of form (i.e., cumuliform or fibrous), brightness pattern (i.e., bands, eddies, etc.), size and wavelength, when applicable, are used in classifying the clouds. Interpretations of each pattern, as complete as is possible from the satellite pictures, are given in terms of cloud types, heights and thickness, lapse rates, wind velocity and vertical shear. It is not expected that further information can be deduced from the patterns photographed until the atmospheric parameters are measured within, above and below the cloud layers.