Regional and Mesoscale Meteorology Branch

GOES 3.9 µm Channel

Contributors: Dan Bikos, Jeff Braun, Don Hillger, Bernie Connell, Scott Bachmeier and Scott Lindstrom

Introduction

This is an introductory session meant to complement CIRA’s 3.9 µm tutorial, but is a good review for any forecaster.

Objectives:

1. Review the science behind the 3.9 µm channel
2. Discuss the many possible applications, including fog detection, fire detection, and snow/low cloud differentiation
3. Look at a number of examples
4. Preview what’s to come with future sensors

Training Session Options

NOAA/NWS students – to begin the training, use the web-based video, YouTube video, or audio playback options below (if present for this session). Certificates of completion for NOAA/NWS employees can be obtained by accessing the session via the Commerce Learning Center.

1. Audio playback (recommended for low-bandwidth users) – This is an audio playback version in the form of a downloadable VISITview and can be taken at anytime.

   Create a directory to download the audio playback file (56 MB) from the following link: http://rammb.cira.colostate.edu/training/visit/training_sessions/goes_3_9_um_channel/goes_3_9_um_channel_audio.exe

   After extracting the files into that directory click on either the visitplay.bat or visitauto.bat file to start the lesson. If both files are present, use visitauto.bat

2. YouTube video:

References/Additional Links

• Talking points are available for this lesson and may be printed out to easily review the session in detail at any time.
• Ellrod, G. P., 1995: Advances in the Detection and Analysis of Fog at Night Using GOES Multispectral Infrared Imagery Wea. Forecasting, 606–619.
• Lindsey, D. T., D. Hillger, L. Grasso, J. Knaff, and J. Dostalek, 2006: Climatology and analysis for thunderstorms with enhanced 3.9 µm reflectivity. Mon. Wea. Rev., in press. Email me if you want a copy.
• CIRA’s 3.9 µm tutorial
• COMET’s GOES Channel Selection Tutorial
• Modification of the Fog Product in AWIPS