The AVHRR channel 3 cloud top reflectivity of convective storms

A method for computation of channel 3 reflectivity for the AVHRR (advanced very high resolution radiometer) aboard the NOAA polar orbiting satellites is developed. In this channel, nominally centered at 3.7 microns, reflected and emitted radiation comprise roughly equal fractions of the received rad...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Monthly weather review 1991-03, Vol.119 (3), p.841-847
Main Authors: SETVAK, M, DOSWELL, C. A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cloud physics
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
External geophysics
Meteorology
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Summary:A method for computation of channel 3 reflectivity for the AVHRR (advanced very high resolution radiometer) aboard the NOAA polar orbiting satellites is developed. In this channel, nominally centered at 3.7 microns, reflected and emitted radiation comprise roughly equal fractions of the received radiance during the daylight hours. Using the technique to observe deep convective storms, it is found that occasional storms exhibit an increased channel 3 cloud top reflectivity that appears to be related to the microphysical properties of the convective cloud tops. In turn, there may possibly be some relation between such cloud top signatures and storm severity, especially with regard to hail. (A.F.S.)
ISSN:0027-0644
1520-0493
DOI:10.1175/1520-0493(1991)119<0841:TACCTR>2.0.CO;2