A Study of Cloud Patterns Observed from ESSA 3 Satellite Photographs and their Relationship to Sea Surface Temperatures in the Eastern Gulf of Mexico.
Abstract
Cloud patterns in the eastern Gulf of Mexico are the result of frontal systems, terrestrial radiation, atmospheric motions, and thermal differences between sea surface and the adjacent air masses. ESSA 3 weather satellite photographs reveal temperature patterns of the surface oceanic environment by the presence or absence of cumulus type clouds during atmospheric calm periods. Relatively cool water under warm air causes cumulus cloud development, while relatively warm water under cool air causes dissipation of low clouds. Remote sensors and high altitude cloud photographs can present real-time, synoptic coverage of ocean surface temperatures provided that accurate ground-truth temperatures are incorporated with data. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0854007
Entities
People
- William T. Morton
Organizations
- Naval Oceanographic Office