Impact of GOES satellites on the National Weather Service

Elbert W. Friday

doi:10.1117/12.254057

18 October 1996 Impact of GOES satellites on the National Weather Service

Elbert W. Friday

Proceedings Volume 2812, GOES-8 and Beyond; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.254057
Event: SPIE's 1996 International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1996, Denver, CO, United States

Abstract

The geostationary weather satellites are a critical component of the National Weather Service operations and on going nation wide modernization program. Geostationary satellites, because of their ability to constantly image the Earth, are important tools for observing severe weather such as hurricanes, severe thunderstorms, flash floods and winter storms. When satellite data are combined with other observing technologies such as weather radars, the operational forecaster has significantly increased their capabilities to produce timely, specific and very accurate short-term forecasts. The new generation of geostationary weather satellites are producing new products such as more frequent images over the United States, high density wind fields in the vicinity of hurricanes, a more comprehensive look at the phenomenon known as the Lake Effect Snow Storm, and the formation and dissipation of local fog areas. Atmospheric temperature and moisture profiles are now possible operationally with independent imager and sounder instruments. The sounder instrument is providing important information on the flow of low-level moisture from the Gulf of Mexico, an important source of energy for severe weather over the eastern part of the country.

Citation Download Citation

Elbert W. Friday "Impact of GOES satellites on the National Weather Service", Proc. SPIE 2812, GOES-8 and Beyond, (18 October 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.254057

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available