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Understanding Satellite Imagery for Weather Forecasting Study Guide

This guide explores the fundamental principles of satellite imagery used in meteorology. It covers the GOES program, different scanning modes, and the interpretation of visible, thermal infrared, and water-vapor imagery. Learn how these tools are essential for monitoring cloud texture, cloud-top temperatures, and atmospheric moisture patterns to improve weather forecasting.

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Dew, Fog, and Cloud Formation

Formation of Dew, Frost, and Clouds

  • Dew formation
  • Frost formation
  • Cloud formation
  • Water vapor condensation
  • Saturation vapor pressure
  • Cloud condensation nuclei
  • Haze
  • Mist
  • Fog
  • Relative humidity
  • Infrared radiation

Types and Formation of Fog

Radiation fog, advection fog, evaporation fog, and upslope fog form when moist air reaches saturation through cooling or rising.

  • Radiation fog
  • Advection fog
  • Evaporation fog
  • Upslope fog
  • Saturation
  • Air parcel expansion
  • Condensation
  • Latent heat

Cloud Classification and Atmospheric Effects

Cloud Classification and Lifting Mechanisms

An overview of cloud genera, appearance, and levels based on lifting mechanisms and cloud-base height.

  • Lifting mechanisms
  • Surface heating
  • Converging winds
  • Terrain
  • Fronts
  • Cloud genera
  • Cumulus
  • Cumulonimbus
  • Stratus
  • Stratocumulus
  • Altocumulus
  • Altostratus
  • Nimbostratus
  • Cirrus
  • Cirrostratus
  • Cirrocumulus
  • Cloud-base height
  • Cloud-top height

Cloud Types and Radiative Effects

Clouds affect Earth's energy budget through radiative effects and cloud feedback while exhibiting various forms like pileus, asperitas, and mammatus.

  • Radiative effect
  • Earth’s energy budget
  • Cloud feedback
  • Pileus
  • Asperitas
  • Mammatus
  • Wind shear
  • Cloud thickness

GOES Satellite Imagery and Observation Types

Satellite Imagery and Cloud Observation

GOES observations utilize visible, infrared, and water-vapor imagery to detect lightning, cloud structure, and moisture aloft.

  • GOES program
  • Visible imagery
  • Thermal infrared imagery
  • Cloud-top temperature
  • Enhanced infrared colors
  • Water-vapor imagery
  • Brightness temperature
  • Cloud texture
  • Deep convection
  • Cirrus clouds

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