Multispectral analysis of maritime clouds at night in the presence of atmospheric water vapor
By: Christopher K. Brooks
Contributors: Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Publisher: Naval Postgraduate School
Published: 1992
Place of publication: Monterey, Calif
Language: eng
Number of pages: 73
Subjects: Brightness temperature; Atmospheric Water vapor; Clouds; Identification; Measurement
Description: Multispectral analysis methods are exercised using AVHRR  channels 3, 4, and 5 to improve upon single-wavelength thermal  imagery at night. An algorithm was developed yielding cloud  location and water vapor distribution from channel 3-4 and 4-5  differences, respectively. Water vapor effects on pixel  registration for cloud were examined using two candidate  subscenes, one cloudy and dry, the other, cloudy and moist.  A positive water vapor/cloud-free correlation was found using  statistical techniques on the candidate subscene scatter  plots. TOVS water vapor channels verified the analyzed water  vapor pattern in the 4 - 5 difference image. V-shaped  cloud/clear thresholds were applied to various subscene  scatter plots to account for the positive correlation of water  vapor-to-cloud registration. Results showed that in regions  of higher water vapor concentrations, pixels nearest cloud  boundaries were likeliest to be misclassified as clear.  Images containing significant water vapor gradients and cloud  variations required threshold refinement for best results.
Notes: Thesis Advisors: Durkee, Philip A. ; Wash, Carlyle H.

"June 1992."

Description based on title screen as viewed on March 10, 2009.

Thesis (M.S. in Meteorology)--Naval Postgraduate School, June 1992.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 71-72)

"Approved for public release, distribution unlimited"--Cover.

Also available in print.

Mode of access: World Wide Web.

System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader.

US Air Force (USAF) author.

ck/ 3/16/09.