Layered Cloud Analyses Derived from Satellite and Conventional Data

Abstract

A method is developed for the semi-objective analysis of layered cloud amounts and of heights of cloud bases and tops. The analyses are based on satellite television and infrared data, surface synoptic observations and radiosonde observations. After video data are manually extracted, input data are processed and analyzed on a digital computer with the final analysis including an adjustment by a meteorologist who considers the High Resolution Infrared Radiometer (HRIR) data and other available data. The consideration depends in part on a comparison between computed values of effective radiating temperature at grid points and analyzed values of temperature from Nimbus 2 HRIR observations. Where possible, verification is made both of the machine-adjusted layered cloud amounts and of the final manually adjusted values using Navy and Air Force aircraft weather reconnaissance reports. The limited verification sample indicates some value gained by the adjustments, particularly for high and middle cloud amounts.