Satellite Meteorology: GOES Channel Selection

Print Version Main Menu

Welcome to the GOES Channel Selection Website. This module will introduce you to the visible and infrared channels on GOES and detail new applications available with this generation of GOES satellites. Also included are future changes to the water vapor channel and the replacement of the 12-micrometer "dirty window" channel with the new 13.3-micrometer carbon dioxide channel available on the GOES 12-P satellites. Each channel has its own section with information on both specifications and guidance for operational forecasters.

This site is best viewed at 800 x 600 or higher resolution. Please access the Tech Notes for more information on using the module.

GOES CHANNELS:

• Visible Channel (0.52 - 0.75 µm)
• Shortwave IR Window Channel (3.78 - 4.03 µm)
  Introduction
  Emissivity Differences
  Subpixel Effect
  Reflective Properties
• Water Vapor Channel (6.47 - 7.02 µm, GOES 8-11; 5.77-7.33 µm, GOES 12/N/O/P)
• Longwave IR Window Channel (10.2-11.2 µm)
• "Dirty" Window Channel (11.5 - 12.5 µm)
• Carbon Dioxide Channel (12.96 - 13.72 µm, GOES 12/N/O/P)

OTHER INFORMATION:

Cloud Type Table
Conceptual Map
Shortwave IR Channel Conceptual Map