Satellite Imagery

Introduction

Satellite imagery is one of the most useful sources of data for the meteorologist as well as one of the most poorly understood. Satellite data is essential for forecasting over water and in coastal regions, where other forms of conventional data are sparse, and is very useful over land.

The primary virtues of satellite imagery are the high temporal (15 minutes to 1 hour between images) and spatial (1-8 km) resolution. The disadvantages include the poor vertical resolution (it's difficult to assign features to particular levels in the atmosphere, and low-level features are often hidden) and the fact that the satellite measures radiation intensity, which must often be converted into something more useful.

While satellite data is often used to diagnose the vertical distribution of temperature and moisture for input into numerical models, this module will focus on the use of satellite imagery by the forecaster. The different types of imagery will be discussed, followed by training on the identification of particular types of weather systems.

Learning Objectives

1. To understand and use the different types of satellite images
2. To be able to identify high and low clouds in satellite images
3. To be able to recognize fronts, jets, and cyclones in satellite images

Table of Contents

1. Geosynchronous Satellites
2. Visible Imagery
3. Infrared Imagery: Reality
4. Infrared Imagery: Color Enhanced
5. Water Vapor Imagery
6. Identifying Cloud Types
7. Identifying Fronts
8. Identifying Cyclones
9. Identifying Upper-Level Features
10. Summary

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