A Synoptic Approach to Studying Changes in Sea Surface Temperature Using Geostationary Satellite Data,

Abstract

Data from radiometers aboard meteorological satellites provide a unique method of study surface thermal features of the ocean on a large scale, synoptic basis. The utility of such a data base, however, depends upon both thermal and spatial resolution of the sensors. Because the geostationary SMS and GOES satellites provide essentially the same geometric prespective each time the earth is scanned, this type of orbital platform was selected for use in this study. Three computer programs are used in sequence to process and convert the data into a machine contoured map of surface temperature. Each chart covers a 15 deg x 15 deg area and uses a map scale of 8 million to 1. The contour interval is set at 2 deg C. When the software becomes operational, the contoured maps of temperature will be of considerable use for diverse regional studies such as marine climatology and marine resource development.

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1982
Accession Number
ADP002046

Entities

People

  • M. R. Stevenson

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Climatology
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Databases
  • Environment
  • Geosynchronous Satellites
  • Marine Climatology
  • Meteorological Satellites
  • Remote Sensing
  • Sea Surface Temperature
  • Surface Temperature

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Database Systems and Applications
  • Theoretical Analysis.
  • Thermal Physics or Thermal Science.

Technology Areas

  • Space