The Relationship between the Gradient of Satellite-Derived Radiance and Upper Tropospheric/Lower Stratospheric Winds

Abstract

It is shown that the gradient of satellite-derived radiance is proportional to a certain vertical integral of the geostrophic wind. The radiance gradient is shown to be useful in locating the upper tropospheric jet maxima in middle latitudes; the major uncertainty results from lack of specific knowledge of the lower stratospheric winds above the area in question. At high latitudes, the radiance gradient delineates regions of stratospheric jet maxima.