Enhancement of the daytime GOES-based aircraft icing potential algorithm using MODIS

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Authors
Alexander, Jeremy Brandon
Subjects
MODIS
Aircraft icing
Multispectral satellite analysis
Cloud thermodynamic phase
Advisors
Durkee, Philip A.
Date of Issue
2005-03
Date
March 2005
Publisher
Monterey California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
In this thesis, a fuzzy logic algorithm is developed for the detection of potential aircraft icing conditions using the Moderate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). The fuzzy MODIS algorithm is developed in a manner similar to the cloud mask currently used to process MODIS imagery. The MODIS icing potential detection algorithm uses thresholds for 8 channels in a series of 12 tests to determine the probability of icing conditions being present within a cloud. The MODIS algorithm results were compared to results of the GOES icing potential detection algorithm run on MODIS imagery for 4 cases. When compared to positive and icing pilot reports for the cases, the MODIS algorithm identified regions where icing was encountered more effectively than the GOES algorithm. Furthermore, the use of fuzzy thresholds on MODIS rather than the hard thresholds of the GOES algorithm allowed for less restrictive coverage of potential icing conditions, making the MODIS algorithm more reasonable in assessing all cloud regions for icing potential. The results found here are preliminary, as further statistical analysis with a larger validation dataset would be more effective. Algorithm details are provided in the appendix for reference.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Department of Meteorology
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
xviii, 86 p. : col. maps
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.
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