Using Rapid Scan Infrared (10.7 µm) Imagery
Infrared imagery is often used in the tropical regions, where other data is sparse or not available, to make assessments of vertical wind shear, intensity and intensity change in tropical cyclones. This loop shows SRSO Channel 4 infrared (10.7 µm) imagery of Hurricane Luis on 6 September 1995, when the storm was near peak intensity. In this imagery, one can clearly see the cold cloud tops rotate around the warm eye. These cold tops can be compared with the matching visible imagery, giving the forecaster a rough estimate of the height and temperature of the different cloud features. The advantages to be gained through using combinations of imagery from the different GOES Imager channels will be discussed throughout this tutorial.
