Article Type:
Research Article

The Role of GOES Satellite Imagery in Tracking Low-Level Moisture

Dan Bikos Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado

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John F. Weaver Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado

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Jeff Braun Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado

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Print Publication:
01 Apr 2006
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/WAF911.1
Page(s):
232–241
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Abstract

This note provides examples of how geostationary satellite data can be applied to augment other data sources in tracking warm, moist air masses as they move northward from the Gulf of Mexico. These so-called returning air masses are often a key ingredient in bringing about severe weather outbreaks in the central and southeastern United States. The newer NOAA–GOES imagery provides high spatial and temporal resolution. Together, surface observations, upper-air soundings, and high-resolution satellite imagery provide a comprehensive picture of the returning moist air mass.

* Additional affiliation: NOAA/NESDIS/RAMM Team, Fort Collins, Colorado

Corresponding author address: Dan Bikos, Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere, Regional and Mesoscale Meteorology Team, Colorado State University, W. Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1375. Email: bikos@cira.colostate.edu

Abstract

This note provides examples of how geostationary satellite data can be applied to augment other data sources in tracking warm, moist air masses as they move northward from the Gulf of Mexico. These so-called returning air masses are often a key ingredient in bringing about severe weather outbreaks in the central and southeastern United States. The newer NOAA–GOES imagery provides high spatial and temporal resolution. Together, surface observations, upper-air soundings, and high-resolution satellite imagery provide a comprehensive picture of the returning moist air mass.

* Additional affiliation: NOAA/NESDIS/RAMM Team, Fort Collins, Colorado

Corresponding author address: Dan Bikos, Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere, Regional and Mesoscale Meteorology Team, Colorado State University, W. Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1375. Email: bikos@cira.colostate.edu

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