Question 6

What combination of POES imaging channels allows for the most effective detection of fog and stratus cloud cover? (Click the button for the best answer below.)

a) Shortwave and longwave infrared.
b) Nighttime infrared and microwave, daytime visible.
c) Daytime visible and nighttime microwave.
d) Nighttime shortwave and longwave infrared, and daytime visible.

Discussion

d) is the correct response.

The combination of nighttime 3.7-µm shortwave and 11-µm longwave infrared imaging channels into a fog/stratus cloud product gives forecasters the ability to distinguish water from ice clouds at a high 1.1-km resolution. When combined with feature identification in daytime visible channel imagery, the two techniques offer a multi-spectral approach effective day or night.