Water Vapor Satellite Imagery Definition

Water vapor imagery is used to analyze the presence and movement of water vapor moisture in the upper and middle levels of the atmosphere.

Water vapor satellite imagery definition. In this imagery bright blue and white areas indicate the presence of high water vapor or moisture content whereas dark orange and brown areas indicate little or no moisture present. National weather service weath. Thus even though water vapor is an invisible gas at visible wavelengths our eyes can t see it and at longer infrared wavelengths the fact that it emits so readily between roughly 6 and 7 microns means the radiometer aboard the satellite can see it. Images a b and c are examples of visible and infrared and water vapor satellite images respectively valid for the same time.

As with traditional ir imagery all radiation emitted below the effective. For water vapor imagery right the effective layer is defined as the highest level of appreciable water vapor whose radiation can be detected by the satellite. This video describes how water vapor satellite imagery is used by meteorologist examples provided. This web site should not be used to support operational observation forecasting emergency or.

The wavelength spectrum used to detect water vapor is in the 6 7 to 7 3 micrometer wavelength range. This short course helps you combine the water vapour channel with your understanding of fluid dynamics to bring a new point of view to your meteorological. Water vapor imagery is created using a wavelength sensitive to the moisture content in the atmosphere. This self paced interactive tutorial enables learners to discover practical uses for water vapor imagery from weather satellites.

See the latest united states water vapor weather satellite map. The ineractive map makes it easy to navitgate around the globe. The upper and middle levels of the atmosphere are from about 650 mb to the top of the troposphere. The module introduces the concept and function of the water vapor channel of satellite imagery and.