10 years of Antarctic composite images

From October 30, 1992 to the present, the Antarctic Meteorological Research Center (AMRC) at the Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC), University of Wisconsin-Madison has produced a mosaic infrared (~11.0 micron, the infrared window channel) satellite center over the Antarctic and adjacent Southern Oceans. Created every three hours at synoptic times, the images are a combination of all available operational geostationary and polar orbiting satellite data. These composites are unique and are valuable for weather forecasting, for both meteorological and non-meteorological research as well as for teaching and educational purposes.

This presentation will review the satellites used to go into the composite, and how it is constructed. A description of some of the problems and pitfalls that go into making these composites will be presented. A sample of applications of the composite will be introduced as well as an outline of the distribution and availability of the images. During the presentation, the entire 10-year animation of the composites will be shown. Additionally, other satellite composite projects will be discussed, including vapor and visible composites along with the potential for similar composites over the Arctic. Future directions will be outlined.