An Investigation of Some Synoptic Capabilities of Atmospheric “Window” Measurements from Satellite TIROS II

Abstract

Several samples of infrared radiation measurements in the 8–13 micron water-vapor “window” made by TIROS II are studied in relation to conventionally observed information on pressure systems, cloudiness and temperature These cases demonstrate further the synoptic capabilities, as well as some of the limitations, of these data for cloud detection; determination of cloud-top height; and observation of spatial gradients and temporal changes in the temperature of water-, land-, and snow-covered surfaces. Abstract Several samples of infrared radiation measurements in the 8–13 micron water-vapor “window” made by TIROS II are studied in relation to conventionally observed information on pressure systems, cloudiness and temperature These cases demonstrate further the synoptic capabilities, as well as some of the limitations, of these data for cloud detection; determination of cloud-top height; and observation of spatial gradients and temporal changes in the temperature of water-, land-, and snow-covered surfaces.