Abstract
Using data from the GOES-8–9 imager, this paper discusses the potential for consistent, around-the-clock image products that can trace the movement and evolution of low, stratiform clouds. In particular, the paper discusses how bispectral image sequences based on the shortwave (3.9 μm) and longwave (10.7 μm) infrared channels can be developed for this purpose. These sequences can be animated to produce useful loops. The techniques address several problems faced by operational forecasters in the tracking of low clouds. Low clouds are often difficult or impossible to detect at night because of the poor thermal contrast with the background on infrared images. During the day, although solar reflection makes low, stratiform clouds bright on GOES visible images, it is difficult to distinguish low clouds from adjacent ground snowcover or dense cirrus overcasts. The shortwave infrared channel often gives a superior delineation of low clouds on images because water droplets produce much higher reflectances than ice clouds or ground snowcover. Combined with the longwave channel, the shortwave channel can be used to derive products that can distinguish low clouds from the background at any time of day or night. The first case study discusses cloud properties as observed from the shortwave channels from the polar-orbiting Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer, as well as GOES-9, and applies a correction to produce shortwave reflectance. A second case study illustrates the use of the GOES-8 shortwave channel to observe the aftermath of a spring snowstorm in the Ohio Valley. Finally, the paper discusses a red–blue–green color combination technique to build useful forecaster products.
Corresponding author address: Dr. Thomas F. Lee, Marine Me-teorology Division, Naval Research Laboratory, 7 Grace Hopper Ave., Monterey, CA 93943-5006.
Email: lee@nrlmry.navy.mil
