Evaluation of Objective Parameters Derived from Concentric Cloud Patterns.
Abstract
This study tests previously developed techniques for monitoring the intensity, location, and rotation of cyclonic storms from digital satellite cloud patterns for a sample of 83 tropical and 59 extra-tropical cyclone images. The computer programs are designed to produce a normalized distribution of centers of curvature for concentric clouds bands surrounding a storm. The location of the maximum of this distribution is used as a measure of storm position. The horizontally integrated magnitude of the distribution is used as a measure of storm intensity, and the major axis of the distribution is used as a reference line to measure storm rotation. The most promising application of these objective techniques is for analyzing the intensity and rotation of tropical storms. The results described in this report are based on DMSP film images of tropical storms which were then digitized. There are problems in calibrating the various types of infrared images in terms of temperature. The regression coefficients used in the storm intensity model and the threshold value to temperature used in defining percentage cloudiness may not be applicable to another data set. A technique to calibrate IR brightness between satellites, perhaps based on sea surface temperature, should be developed. Keywords: Image processing; Cloud cover; Atmosphere models.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 30, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA166266
Entities
People
- D. G. Dartt
Organizations
- Control Data Corporation