Regional and Mesoscale Meteorology Branch

Monitoring Gulf Moisture Return

Introduction

Objectives: Identify and track low-level moisture utilizing GOES imagery with other datasets.

• Nighttime detection:
  • 10.7 um imagery
  • Fog product
• Daytime detection using:
  • Visible imagery
  • 10.7 um imagery
• Cloudy or clear conditions

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 Learn 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 (53 MB) from the following link: http://rammb.cira.colostate.edu/training/visit/training_sessions/monitoring_gulf_moisture_return/monitoring_gulf_moisture_return_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.
• Bikos, D., Weaver, J., and J. Braun, 2006: The Role of GOES Satellite Imagery in Tracking Low-Level Moisture. Wea. Forecasting, 21, 232-241.
• Use of GOES/RSO imagery with other Remote Sensor Data for Diagnosing Severe Weather across the CONUS (RSO 3)
• Parmenter, F.C., 1975: Low-Level Moisture Intrusion from Infrared Imagery. Mon. Wea. Rev., 104, 100-104.
• Dostalek, J.F., J.F. Weaver, J.F.W. Purdom and K.Y. Winston, 1997: Nighttime detection of low-level thunderstorm outflow using a GOES multispectral image product. Wea. Forecasting, 12, 947-950.
• Lewis, J.M., C.M. Hayden, R.T. Merrill, and J.M. Schneider, 1989: GUFMEX: A study of return flow in the Gulf of Mexico. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 70, 24-29.