A METEOROLOGICAL STUDY OF COLD CLOUDS AS RELATED TO SATELLITE INFRARED HORIZON SENSORS
Abstract
A cold cloud is defined as one that radiates infrared energy at a low temperature (about 200 K). The problems that present infrared horizon sensors on space vehicles are experiencing from cold clouds are discussed. Efforts to design new sensors to overcome these problems are also mentioned. Conditions favorable for cold clouds are described as the high, cold tropopause of a tropical air mass and a weather disturbance in this tropical air capable of generating dense cirriform clouds near the cold tropopause and associated lower opaque clouds to shut off radiation from lower levels. These weather disturbances may be in the form of an active Intertropical Convergence Zone, tropical cyclones, monsoons and extratropical cyclones. Distributions of these conditions favorable for cold clouds over the earth are discussed and illustrated with photographs. Particular emphasis is placed on the possibilities for cold clouds associated with an extratropical cyclone. Specific examples of this type of storm are studied. A model is formulated showing the location of an area favorable for cold clouds in a occluding extratropical cyclone. The association of a pole ward-moving jet stream with a poleward-extending area favorable for cold clouds in an extra tropical cyclone is noted.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0407974
Entities
People
- John E. Alder
Organizations
- SRI International