A Comparison Between Observed Winds and Cloud Motions Derived from Satellite Infrared Measurements

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Abstract
Cloud Motions were obtained from HRIR measurements contained within the overlapped region of two adjacent Nimbus II orbits. These 108-min averaged motions were compared with instantaneous wind vectors interpolated from constant pressure charts. Corrections for uncertainties in the attitude of the satellite were made by superimposing coastlines that were within the fields of view for both orbits. Cloud mass centroids were determined to estimate the position for each cloud. Cloud top altitudes were obtained from the Nimbus II HRIR data and the isotherms on the constant pressure charts. Generally, the direction and speed of the cloud motions were within 20° and 15 kt of the observed wind direction and speed. Abstract Cloud Motions were obtained from HRIR measurements contained within the overlapped region of two adjacent Nimbus II orbits. These 108-min averaged motions were compared with instantaneous wind vectors interpolated from constant pressure charts. Corrections for uncertainties in the attitude of the satellite were made by superimposing coastlines that were within the fields of view for both orbits. Cloud mass centroids were determined to estimate the position for each cloud. Cloud top altitudes were obtained from the Nimbus II HRIR data and the isotherms on the constant pressure charts. Generally, the direction and speed of the cloud motions were within 20° and 15 kt of the observed wind direction and speed.

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