Analysis and Interpretation of TIROS II Infrared Radiation Measurements

Abstract

Infrared radiation data obtained by the TIROS II meteorological satellite are discussed in relation to a frontal system over North America. It appears from this study that the radiation data may be useful not only for determining the location, motion and development of frontal systems but also for obtaining information on the structure of frontal zones. A detailed analysis is made of data for a cloudy cold front in regard to cloud and moisture distributions. The infrared data define the regions of convective activity quite accurately. For the case studied, the data suggest a relatively dry region in the upper troposphere above the surface front. Potentialities of the data are discussed. Possible explanations for reported discrepancies between the satellite data and conventional data are presented.