Extended Abstract (96K)P5.17
Cloud top analysis using cloud model simulations and satellite observations
Stefano Natali, Univ. of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy; and P. K. Wang and H. M. Lin
A central issue in the study of the impact of convective systems related to strong phenomena is the understanding of their complex structure and evolution. Such systems are often related to high precipitation rate, strong winds and hailfall. Satellite observations and cloud microphysical model simulations have proven to be effective in the study of this kind of phenomena. These two approaches, even though they are different, complement themselves in the description of convection, provided that an observative approach joins with a theoretical one. Combined use of both geostationary (GOES) and polar (MODIS) flying sensors have been used in this work to provide a complete observational database, with reasonable temporal and spectral resolutions. On the other hand, Wisconsin Dynamical-Microphysical Model (WISCDYMM) has been used to simulate meso-a and b convective systems in order to carry out a complete picture of the scene. The aim of this work is to join satellite and numerical model approaches in the study of some features related to cloud top structure. An approach that considers both satellite observations and three dimensional Cloud Microphysical Model (CMM) simulations seems to be a good way to learn more about physics of convective systems and to improve image interpretation significance.
Poster Session 5, New Technology and Methods
Wednesday, 17 October 2001, 2:15 PM-4:00 PM
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