Regional and Mesoscale Meteorology Branch

Regional Satellite Cloud Composites from GOES

Introduction

Learning Objectives:

1. To learn what a regional satellite cloud composite is.
2. To find out what types of cloud composites can be created.
3. To find out how cloud composites fit into the forecast process.

Background:

This module reflects how one can create and use cloud composites on a regional scale to assist with everyday forecasting tasks. Cloud composites refer to a shorter time span than cloud climatology. This module highlights simple techniques used to create the cloud composites and regional applications used to visualize weather patterns – all from the diurnal geostationary satellite.

Training Session Options

LMS students – to begin the training, use the Web-based Video or Audio Playback options below.
Note: Be sure to have your speakers on and the volume loud enough to hear the presentation.

1. Web-based Video training session
2. Audio playback – This VISITview file contains recorded audio and annotations and can be taken at anytime.

   Create a directory to download the audio playback file (it is about 59 MB in size) from the following site:
   ftp://rammftp.cira.colostate.edu/SHyMet/course_materials/forecasters/clim_shymet_dec2010.exe
   OR
   ftp://ftp.ssec.wisc.edu/visit/audio/clim_shymet_dec2010.exe

   After extracting the files into that directory click on the visitplay.bat file to start the lesson.

References / additional links

• Talking points (PDF document)
• RAMMB Satellite Climatology Applications:
  http://rammb.cira.colostate.edu/research/satellite_climatologies/
• Combs, C. L., R. Mazur, J. V. Clark, M. K. Nordquist, and D. A. Molenar, 2010: An effort to improve marine stratus forecasts using satellite cloud climatologies for the Eureka, CA region. 17th Conference on Satellite Meteorology and Oceanography, 27-30 September, Annapolis, MD, Amer. Meteor. Soc., P9.16. http://ams.confex.com/ams/17Air17Sat9Coas/techprogram/paper_173864.htm
• Combs, C.L., M. Weiland, M. DeMaria, and T.H. Vonder Haar, 2003: Examining high wind events using satellite cloud cover composites over the Cheyenne, WY region. 12th Conference on Satellite Meteorology and Oceanography, 10-14 February, Long Beach, CA, Amer. Meteor. Soc., CD-ROM, P2.25.
• Connell, B. H., K. J. Gould, and J. F. W. Purdom, 2001: High resolution GOES-8 visible and infrared cloud frequency composites over Northern Florida during the Summers 1996-1999. Wea. Forecasting, 16, 713-724. (Bernie can send an electronic version; send a request to her at the email listed below)