Statistical results concerning the radiometric temperature changes sensed by NIMBUS II MRIR in the vicinity of the subtropical jet.

Abstract

Radiances obtained from the 11-μ window channel by MRIR scanning radiometer of NIMBUS II were investigated in order to determine areas of time change of T₂, which may be related to effective cloud top level of the five-day mean cloud state. A statistical model was developed that is useful in obtaining a valid specification for effective cloud top change, using a stepwise regression program. The parameters ΔT₁, ΔZ, and T₂ appear to provide the necessary spatial and temporal stability to employ the specification scheme over a time span of ten days. These three parameters are all highly descriptive of ΔT₂ 2 in terms of basic atmospheric dynamical relationships. It is recommended that a test be made of this hypothesis using a 24-hour specification procedure.