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Mesoscale analysis of VAS 6.7 micron image data for several case studiesSeveral case studies are examined in an attempt to relate Visible infrared spin scan radiometers Atmospheric Sounder (VAS) water vapor channel radiance data to atmospheric moisture. Since the 6.7 micrometer channel detects radiation emitted by atmospheric water vapor from a rather thick layer, a scheme is developed which weighted rawinsonde observations of relative humidity in a similar manner. A comparison of the two fields (weighted relative humidity values from gridded rawinsonde observations and the VAS water vapor image) indicates that even when mesoscale data are used, the technique only presented a smooth representation of the radiance field. This weighting function is dependent on both the temperature and moisture distribution of the atmosphere. Cross sections of relative humidity from the mesoscale rawinsondes are produced which sliced the water vapor imagery in particularly interesting regions (areas of high and low blackbody temperatures). Comparisons are then made between the cross sections and the variations in the VAS radiance data along the cross section line. Bright regions in the water vapor imagery (cold blackbody temperatures) are often associated with thin layers of high relative humidity or thick layers of only moderately moist air. The reverse also applies, i.e., dark regions (warm blackbody temperatures) in the imagery corresponded well with very dry regions in the cross sections.
Document ID
19840026802
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Jedlovec, G. J. (NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: NASA(MSFC FY-84 Atmospheric Processes Res. Rev.
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Accession Number
84N34873
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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IDRelationTitle19840026758Collected WorksNASA/MSFC FY-84 Atmospheric Processes Research Review
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