TIROS Meteorology
Abstract
TIROS II has continued the meteorological observational series begun so brilliantly with TIROS I. Further analyses of pictures from both TIROS I and II show how the cloud patterns respond to physical processes. In a cold air outbreak off the northeast coast of the United States it was observed that the cloud edge accurately mirrored the shape of the coast line, displaced some 75 miles to sea. This was found to be the distance required to bring the appropriate heat and moisture to a reasonable mixing condensation level. In another case, a wake behind a mountain peak was observed in clouds limited by an inversion. It is possible to show that this is an analog to the supersonic wake behind an obstacle. One of the most striking features of TIROS pictures has been the strong pattern exhibited by cyclonic storms. It has been possible to trace the life history of cyclones as evidenced by these patterns. It is evident from the sequence of patterns that there is much about the life history of the cyclone that is not adequately described by conventional models. A review of techniques of TIROS data reduction indicates that substantial progress has been made in facilitating the use of satellite meteorological information.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 31, 1961
- Accession Number
- AD0257965
Entities
People
- Arnold H. Glaser