A Procedure for Estimating Cloud Amount and Height From Satellite Infrared Radiation Data

Abstract

A simple objective technique is presented that integrates satellite-measured infrared radiation temperatures with the National Meteorological Center objective temperature analysis to yield cloud height and amount classification for small grid squares. Sample of cloud information obtained by this technique from ITOS 1 data over the United States show good agreement with cloud observations obtained by surface observers and from aircraft reports. The method is completely automated and can be used to produce cloud analyses on a global scale.