Meteorological Uses of the Stereographic Horizon Map Projection

Abstract

The stereographic horizon map projection is a generalized form of the polar stereographic projection that permits placement of the map center at any point on the earth. With this projection, it is possible to view translating meteorological systems in one perspective regardless of system location. An algorithm was developed for converting a polar stereographic projection to a stereographic horizon projection. Two types of meteorological systems were examined with meteorological satellite infrared radiation data placed in the new map projection to illustrate its use. The cloud pattern evolution (as seen through an infrared atmospheric window) associated with a rapidly developing extratropical storm was used to depict how the stereo-graphic horizon map projection quantitatively reveals the major centers of cloud development, movement and dissipation relative to the cyclone center. With the stereographic horizon projection, the classical dynamic features of the ject stream appeared to be present in the appropriate quadrants of a composite of composite of Nimbus 3 infrared (6.4?6.9 ?m) radiation data surrounding 13 jet stream speed maxima.