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At least 19 records

Results of a statistical approach to rainfall estimation using Nimbus 5 6.7 micrometers and 11.5 micrometers THIR data

Nimbus 5 6.7 mm and 11.5 mm temperature humidity infrared radiometer (THIR) data were used in a simple multiple regression scheme to test the feasibility of using these data to estimate hourly rainfall. Throughout the test area (85 W to 105 W and 45 N to 30 N) subareas (8 deg x 6 deg) were chosen from which point to point and areal statistics were obtained. Four subsets of data were used. The first consisted of only those surface stations indicating precipitation whose latitude and longitude coincided with the THIR grid points. A second used surface stations 0.1 degree from the THIR grid points. The third was a combination of subsets one and two. A reciprocal distance weighting scheme was used to derive precipitation values in data sparse areas. A fourth subset was made using these data combined with the data from subsets one and two. Point estimates resulted in negative correlations between estimated and grid derived "surface" precipitation. One degree areal estimates showed a slight improvement with a correlation coefficient of approximately 0.11. Single regression areal estimates resulted in correlations of approximately 0.11 and 0.20 for the 6.7 mm and 11.5 mm data respectively. These poor results were attributed to problems which are inherent in the satellite data (location errors, short temporal span of data, wavelength of sensors, etc.) and the lack of sufficient surface data to better verify the satellite estimate.

Ormsby, J. P.↗

Improvement of synoptic scale moisture and wind field analyses using the Nimbus 4 THIR 6.7 micron observations

The Nimbus 4 temperature-humidity infrared radiometer (THIR) monitors radiation in the 6.5 to 7.2 micron water vapor absorption with a 23 kilometer spatial resolution at the sub-satellite point. Radiation monitored in this spectral region results primarily from emission in the 250 to 500 millibar region of the upper troposphere. The THIR 6.7 micron observations are readily available in photofacsimile imagery form which shows very distinctive patterns associated with spatial variations in atmospheric water vapor. These radiometric observations were combined in several instances with moisture values measured in the upper troposphere by the standard radiosonde network. In each instance, the result is a much more consistent analysis showing increased spatial detail that agrees with the radiometric observations and does not compromise the conventional data. The improved moisture analyses show relatively dry and moist tongues that are very difficult or impossible to infer from the conventional data alone. The patterns in the moisture fields can be tracked over 12 and 24 hour periods. In addition, by keeping in mind the advective properties of the moisture field, success was achieved in improving streamline analyses at the 400 mb level over data sparse regions on a global scale.

Steranko, J.↗

Application of Nimbus 4 THIR 6.7-micron observations to regional and global moisture and wind field analyses.

The Nimbus 4 temperature-humidity infrared radiometer (THIR) monitors radiation in the 6.5 to 7.2-micron water vapor absorption region with a 23-km spatial resolution at the subsatellite point. Radiation monitored in this spectral region results primarily from emission in the 250 to 500-mb region of the upper troposphere. The THIR 6.7-micron observations are readily available in photofacsimile imagery form which shows very distinctive patterns associated with spatial variations in atmospheric water vapor. These radiometric observations have been combined in several instances with moisture values measured in the upper troposphere by the standard radiosonde network. In each instance, the result is a much more consistent analysis showing increased spatial detail that agrees with the radiometric observations and does not compromise the conventional data. The improved moisture analyses show relatively dry and moist tongues that are very difficult or impossible to infer from the conventional data alone.

Steranka, J.↗

A comparison between Nimbus 5 THIR and ITPR temperatures and derived winds with rawinsonde data obtained in the AVE 2 experiment

During the period of May 11 and 12, 1974, NASA conducted its second Atmospheric Variability Experiment (AVE II) over the eastern United States. In this time interval, two Nimbus 5 orbits crossed the AVE II area, providing a series of ITPR soundings as well as THIR data. Horizontal temperature mapping of the AVE II cloud field is examined using two grid print map scales. Implied cloud top heights are compared with maximum radar-echo top reports. In addition, shelter temperatures in areas of clear sky are compared with the surface temperatures as determined from 11.5 micrometer radiometer data of the THIR experiment. The ITPR sounding accuracy is evaluated using interpolated radiosonde temperatures at times nearly coincident with the ITPR soundings. It was found that mean differences between the two data sets were as small as 1.3 C near 500 mb and as large as 2.9 C near the tropopause. The differences between ITPR and radiosonde temperatures at constant pressure levels were sufficient to induce significant differences in the horizontal temperature gradient. Cross sections of geostrophic wind along the orbital tracks were developed using a thermal wind buildup based on the ITPR temperature data and the radiosonde temperature data. Differences between the radiosonde and ITPR geostrophic winds could be explained on the basis of differences in the ITPR and radiosonde temperature gradients.

Arnold, J. E.↗

Measuring the Lense-Thirring precession using a second Lageos satellite

A complete numerical simulation and error analysis was performed for the proposed experiment with the objective of establishing an accurate assessment of the feasibility and the potential accuracy of the measurement of the Lense-Thirring precession. Consideration was given to identifying the error sources which limit the accuracy of the experiment and proposing procedures for eliminating or reducing the effect of these errors. Analytic investigations were conducted to study the effects of major error sources with the objective of providing error bounds on the experiment. The analysis of realistic simulated data is used to demonstrate that satellite laser ranging of two Lageos satellites, orbiting with supplemental inclinations, collected for a period of 3 years or more, can be used to verify the Lense-Thirring precession. A comprehensive covariance analysis for the solution was also developed.

Tapley, B. D.↗

Upper tropospheric dynamics as reflected in Nimbus-4 THIR 6.7 micron data

In order to determine if a quantifiable relationship exists between the 6.7 micron radiometric patterns observed by the Nimbus-4 temperature-humidity infrared radiometer (THIR) and tropospheric dynamics, a 10-level diagnostic model is employed. The model is used to show the spatial and temporal relationships existing between radiometrically observed water vapor patterns and conventionally derived water vapor patterns, and to examine the upper and middle tropospheric water vapor budget and associated dynamics in order to assess the causes behind the spatially- and temporally-varying water vapor radiometric patterns. A particular situation involving a confluent trough located to the lee of the Rockies over the Central United States is examined.

Rodgers, E. B.↗

An electromagnetic Thirring problem.

A neutral rotating mass shell surrounds a concentric stationary electrically charged insulating shell. The dipole-like magnetic field induced by (and proportional to) the rotation of the neutral shell is calculated on the basis of the coupled linearized Einstein-Maxwell field equations of general relativity. This field is apparently at variance with a conjecture made on Machian grounds, for which a possible explanation is suggested. The corresponding induced quadrupolar electric field is calculated for the region within the charged shell, and the potential is given for this field everywhere. Though understandable on mutually inconsistent elementary grounds, we regard this field as a useful example of a solution of linearized general relativity.-

Ehlers, J.↗

Improvement of synoptic scale moisture and wind field analyses using the Nimbus 4 THIR 6.7-micron observations.

Discussion of some examples demonstrating that water vapor channel imagery from meteorological satellites, particularly Nimbus 4, can be quite helpful in improving moisture and wind analyses. Satellite imagery is shown to make possible the extrapolation of conventional measurements into data-sparse regions and the introduction of considerably greater detail into analyses of meterological parameters. In addition, the wide-area synoptic coverage of satellites can shed light on the interconnections of tropical and midlatitude systems discernible in the upper troposphere.

Steranka, J.↗

Correlation between cloud thickness and brightness using Nimbus 4 THIR data /11.5-micron channel/ and ATS 3 digital data

Nimbus 4 data (11.5-micron) channel and ATS 3 digitized data were analyzed for three days during April and May 1970. Cloud-top temperature, as measured by the 11.5-micron channel of the satellite radiometer, shows a close negative correlation with cloud brightness measured by the ATS 3 satellite. This is especially true in well-developed cumulonimbus clouds. An estimate of cloud heights corresponding to cloud-top temperature was obtained by using radiosonde data and radar images, and the relationships between the cloud thickness and brightness counts were derived for the cumulonimbus clouds.

Park, S.-U.↗

Upper tropospheric dynamics as reflected in Nimbus 4 THIR 6.7-micron data

An investigation was conducted of the spatial and temporal relationships existing between the radiometrically observed water vapor patterns in cloud free areas and the conventionally derived water vapor patterns. The upper and middle tropospheric water vapor budget and the associated dynamics were examined to obtain a basis for a more definite evaluation of the significance of the Nimbus 4 radiometric 6.7-micrometer observations for the study of tropospheric dynamics in cloud free areas. A large-amplitude trough situated to the lee of the Rocky Mountains over the central U.S. between April 30 and May 1, 1970, was selected for the investigation because it best illustrated large upper tropospheric dynamic variations.

Rodgers, E. B.↗

A comparison between Nimbus 5 THIR and ITPR temperatures and derived winds with rawinsonde data obtained in the AVE II experiment

During the second Atmospheric Variability Experiment (AVE II), atmospheric temperature profiles were computed from Nimbus 5 data, which comprised ITPR, NEMS, and SCR measurements. Rawinsonde data were obtained from NWS stations in the AVE II network and processed for each pressure contact; the soundings closest in space and time were interpolated to the Nimbus 5 sounding points for comparison purposes. Cross sections of thermal and geostrophic winds were computed from satellite-derived cross sections of temperature along the Nimbus orbital track.

Arnold, J. E.↗

The Temperature Humidity Infrared Radiometer (THIR) subsystem

The infrared radiation from the earth in two spectral bands during both day and night portions of the orbit is measured. Pictures of cloud cover, three dimensional mappings of cloud cover, temperature mappings of clouds, land, and ocean surface, cirrus cloud content, atmospheric contamination, and relative humidity are provided.

Cherrix, G. T.↗

The LAGEOS Lense-Thirring precession and the LAGEOS non-gravitational nodal perturbations. I

After a brief description of the experiment to detect the gravitomagnetic field using high altitude laser ranged artificial satellites, several nongravitational perturbations that affect the LAGEOS nodal longitude are studied. It is shown that the error in the calculated value of the secular nodal precession or the value of the secular nodal precession itself is, for each perturbation, less than 1 percent of the gravitomagnetic drag.

Ciufolini, Ignazio↗

Validation of Nimbus-7 temperature-humidity infrared radiometer estimates of cloud type and amount

Estimates of clear and low, middle and high cloud amount in fixed geographical regions approximately (160 km) squared are being made routinely from 11.5 micron radiance measurements of the Nimbus-7 Temperature-Humidity Infrared Radiometer (THIR). The purpose of validation is to determine the accuracy of the THIR cloud estimates. Validation requires that a comparison be made between the THIR estimates of cloudiness and the 'true' cloudiness. The validation results reported in this paper use human analysis of concurrent but independent satellite images with surface meteorological and radiosonde observations to approximate the 'true' cloudiness. Regression and error analyses are used to estimate the systematic and random errors of THIR derived clear amount.

Stowe, L. L.↗

Study of the Brazil and Falkland currents using their images of Nimbus 5 and oceanographic data in 1972 - 1973

The Western Edge of the Sub-tropical Convergence of the South-western Atlantic Ocean, called the Front, which is a thermal discontinuity between the Brazil and Falkland Currents, was studied utilizing the Temperature Humidity Infrared Radiometer (THIR) of Nimbus V in the 10.5 to 12.5 micrometers channel and historical oceanographic data. Some important results obtained are: the oceanographic Front could be detected from Nimbus THIR data; oceanographic charts showed that the transition zone where the Brazil and the Falkland Currents meet was the Front detected from satellite data; ocean current speeds calculated with THIR data were of the same order of magnitude as those calculated oceanographically; fisheries statistics for Pargo Roseo showed that the maximum catches were in September of 1973, in the period when the Front was observed most distinctly and clearly. The results showed the great potentiality of satellite data to study surface thermal structures, surface currents and oceanic fisheries.

Tseng, Y. C.↗

Derivation of Tropospheric Column Ozone from the EPTOMS/GOES Co-Located Data Sets using the Cloud Slicing Technique

A recently developed technique called cloud slicing used for deriving upper tropospheric ozone from the Nimbus 7 Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) instrument combined together with temperature-humidity and infrared radiometer (THIR) is no longer applicable to the Earth Probe TOMS (EPTOMS) because EPTOMS does not have an instrument to measure cloud top temperatures. For continuing monitoring of tropospheric ozone between 200-500hPa and testing the feasibility of this technique across spacecrafts, EPTOMS data are co-located in time and space with the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES)-8 infrared data for 2001 and early 2002, covering most of North and South America (45S-45N and 120W-30W). The maximum column amounts for the mid-latitudinal sites of the northern hemisphere are found in the March-May season. For the mid-latitudinal sites of the southern hemisphere, the highest column amounts are found in the September-November season, although overall seasonal variability is smaller than those of the northern hemisphere. The tropical sites show the weakest seasonal variability compared to higher latitudes. The derived results for selected sites are cross validated qualitatively with the seasonality of ozonesonde observations and the results from THIR analyses over the 1979-1984 time period due to the lack of available ozonesonde measurements to study sites for 2001. These comparisons show a reasonably good agreement among THIR, ozonesonde observations, and cloud slicing-derived column ozone. With very limited co-located EPTOMS/GOES data sets, the cloud slicing technique is still viable to derive the upper tropospheric column ozone. Two new variant approaches, High-Low (HL) cloud slicing and ozone profile derivation from cloud slicing are introduced to estimate column ozone amounts using the entire cloud information in the troposphere.

Ahn, C.↗

Nimbus earth resources observations

The potential for utilizing data gathered by Nimbus satellites to study the earth surface and its physical properties is illustrated. The Nimbus data applicable to investigations of the earth and its resources, and to the problems of resolution and cloud cover are described. Geological, hydrological, and oceanographic applications are discussed. Applications of the data to other fields, such as cartography, agriculture, forestry, and urban analysis are presented. Relevant information is also given on the Nimbus orbit and experiments; surface and atmospheric effects on HRIR and THIR radiation measurements; and noise problems in the AVCS, IDCS, HRIR, and THIR data.

Sabatini, R. R.↗