Extended Abstract (28K)P3.28
Antarctic meteorology: Satellites and weather forecasting
Matthew A. Lazzara, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI; and L. M. Keller, C. R. Stearns, J. E. Thom, and G. A. Weidner
The tremendous growth in the capabilities of satellite sensors and increased coverage of the high polar regions have made satellite imagery and retrievals the mainstay of weather forecasting in Antarctica. This presentation reviews the historical progression of the development of satellite imagery for weather forecasting in Antarctica from the early days of TIROS and Nimbus to present day NOAA and DMSP satellites with their multispectral array of sensors to detect not only visible features, but also water vapor and infrared structures. Composited and animated satellite imagery, produced at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, provides a unique view of the motion of weather systems around and over the Antarctic continent. Current forecasting techniques using satellite imagery are reviewed for the manned stations operated by the various nations around the world which support Antarctic research and operations. The new generation of satellites, such as EOS, are discussed as well as the changes required at the manned stations to apply the new technology and create derived products useful for forecasting problems. For example, derived wind fields from the MODIS sensor would be a huge help not only for operational forecasters, but also for correctly modeling the atmospheric structure for numerical model forecasts. Proposed satellites and sensors are briefly discussed.
Poster Session 3, Operational Applications
Tuesday, 16 October 2001, 9:15 AM-11:00 AM
Previous paper Next paper