Vaughn, Campbell

    The general aim of the current wind/height analysis study is to develop a technique to estimate cloud motion and height from multiple satellite observations.  The technique merges the analysis of cloud motion from a sequence of satellite images with heights using stereo with two or more view points.  The method has been verified using cases having clouds which change slowly in time.  Case studies using GOES 8, GOES 9 and GOES 10 were analyzed.  These have allowed continued improvement in the analysis software.  In the analysis of a sequence of images, the program must decide when the cloud has changed so much from the reference cloud that it is no longer recognizable.  Continuing work will focus on the cloud recognition problem.

    A paper was accepted by Monthly Weather Review which highlights a verification technique using cloud shadows for height specification.  The paper is titled "Practical Satellite Cloud Heights from Shadows."

    An informal presentation of the new wind/height analysis technique, with examples, has been made to the RAMM/CIRA staff.  A more formal presentation was made at the recent Winds Product Oversight Panel at NESDIS.