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Satellite radiances and clear air turbulence probabilities

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Abstract

Radiance gradients recorded by Nimbus III and IV, over the United States and the Atlantic Ocean, respectively, are well-related to probability of clear air turbulence. Making use of satellite data only, it is possible to avoid CAT almost entirely. In general, radiosonde-measured temperature gradients are not as well correlated with CAT as satellite radiance gradients; but if the satellite track is parallel to the isotherms, radiance gradients along the satellite track are negligible; and temperature gradients at constant pressure are better indicators of CAT unless the satellite instrument scans at right angles to the track.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Meteorology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa., USA

    J. A. Woods & H. A. Panofsky

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  1. J. A. Woods
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  2. H. A. Panofsky
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Woods, J.A., Panofsky, H.A. Satellite radiances and clear air turbulence probabilities. Boundary-Layer Meteorol 4, 361–375 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02265244

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02265244

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