Application of Some Numerical Techniques in Combining Satellite and Conventional Data in the Tropics

Abstract

Some techniques are described for objectively analyzing atmospheric variables, particularlywinds and cloud motions, and for refining the analyses to improve their meteorological value.An example shows how tropical cloud patterns observed by satellites can be used to modifyanalyses of vorticity and divergence fields and the associated winds. Methods for balancingdivergence in the vertical and for numerical advection were developed for use in numerical models; some preliminary forecast results are illustrated. A proposed plan for combining various types of satellite and conventional data for input to tropical numerical prediction modus is presented.