The AFGWC Automated Cloud Analysis Model

摘要: The Air Force Global Weather Central (AFGWC) automated cloud analysis program (3DNEPH) produces high resolution, three-dimensional analyses of clouds over the entire globe. Up to eight analyses are scheduled per day with additional limited area analyses available on request. Horizontal grid spacing is 25 nautical miles and the vertical grid consists of 15 layers of varying thickness from the earth's surface to 55,000 feet above mean sea level. The program is a string of individual modules which process and integrate meteorological cloud information from surface, pilot, and upper air reports. An additional capability to interpret and incorporate visual and infrared satellite imagery results in high resolution, worldwide coverage. Recent advances in the techniques and methodology for interpreting satellite imagery are described. A new manual data input processor, quality control procedures, and applications are also described. An appendix provides detailed information on the high resolution terrain, geography, temperature, and background brightness (albedo) fields used to support the model. A history of the model is included and detailed descriptions of the satellite processing algorithms are also provided. Samples of displayed data using several display methods are included.