Satellite cloud and precipitation analysis using a minicomputer
By: by Carlyle H. Wash, Laura A. Spray, Lang C. Chou
Contributors: Spray, Laura A.; Chou, Lang C.; Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.). Dept. of Meteorology
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School; Available from National Technical Information Service
Published: 1985
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif; Springfield, Va
Language: eng
Number of pages: 92
Subjects: ATMOSPHERIC PRECIPITATION; COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
Other titles: NPS-63-85-003.
Description: A satellite-derived cloud and precipitation analysis program has been developed for an      interactive mini-computer system. The program utilizes geostationary infrared and visual      data with operational upper air and surface temperature analyses to specify cloud-type,      cloud amount, cloud-top temperature, cloud-top height and estimated precipitation      intensity. Five cases of GOES-East data ( 2 x 2 n mi visual and 2 x 4 n mi infrared) for an      approximately 1600 x 1600 n mi area over the eastern United States and western North      Atlantic Ocean are used in evaluating the model's performance. Each satellite-derived,      cloud and precipitation analysis is evaluated subjectively, using conventional synoptic data,      radar measurements and manual nephanalysis for verification, and objectively, using surface      synoptic observations for verification. Successful estimates of cloud amount for overcast      and clear skies were obtained; howeverm broken and scattered conditions were      underestimated. The majority of stratiform cloud tupes and multi-layered clouds were      analyzed correctly by the model. Classification errors occurred with cumuliform clouds and      thin cirrus. Reasonable precipitation intensity and cloud-top temperature/height analyses      were produced by the NPS model. Keywords: GOES(Geostationary Operational      Environmental Satellite).
Notes: Cover title.

"NPS-63-85-003."

"November 1985."

AD-A163 821.

"Technical report period: October 1983 - October 1985."

Includes bibliographical references (p. 52).

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