MET 2 EXAM DECK Flashcards
What are the two types of Satellites?
Polar Orbiting
Geostationary
**Period of coverage: Polar Orbiting Satellites vs Geostationary
PO: Passes over poles every 105min, complete coverage of earths SFC every 12hrs
GS: Image provided every 10-15min 24/7
**Advantages of Polar Orbiting Satellites
- Frequent coverage at high latitudes
- Higher res achieved with low orbit
- Accurate data with satellite overhead.
**Disadvantages of Polar Orbiting Satellites (2)
- For Lower latitudes it takes 12hrs for satellite to reach overhead again. (We have 2x satellites = 4x images per day)
- Doesn’t provide continuous view of one location
**Advantages of Geostationary Satellites
- Frequent coverage of low/mid latitudes
**Disadvantages of Geostationary Satellites
- Distortion at higher latitudes due angle of viewing
- Lower res
- Costlier to deploy
**Compare the advantages of IR vs. VIS imagery
IR imagery: relies on temp of cloud to create image - NIGHT OR DAY.
VIS imagery: Relies on reflected light (intensity is subject to albedo) to produce an image, usually higher res also - DAY ONLY.
For both: (White = high alt, Grey = low alt)
**How does IR imagery work?
Utilises the IR spectrum where the radiance at a particular wavelength is proportional to the temperature of the emitting surface.
How does Cloud tops (CT) imagery work?
Cloud tops are assigned a colour depending on the temperature band it falls under. Altitude of the cloud tops can then be identified;
High: Purple/red/yellow
Mid: Blue/Green
Low: Greys
NZ wx radar network
10x wx radar sites
Full normal mode 300km radius
Doppelar mode 150km radius
In basic terms how does the wx radar work
Microwaves emitted from radar, strong echoes received from precip droplets.
Intensity of echo relative to rainfall rate
What are the 7 common radar problems
- Attenuation/radar shadowing
- Ground/sea echoes caused by refraction of radar beam due inversion
- Sea clutter (side lobes pick up high sea states)
- Radar elevation (min elev = 0.5deg above horizon. means 16km above SFC at 300km)
- False echoes at sunrise/set (sun radiation picked up)
- Bugs
- Interference from radio signals
In basic terms, how does Doppler radar work
By measuring the phase shift b/t tx and rx signals, target motion & reflectivity can be assessed.
(in the case of wx radar, microbursts can be analysed if within doppler range)
What are the four methods of horizontal air flow in the atmosphere
- Translation
- Divergence
- Convergence
- Deformation
Define Translation
Where a body of air is moved without rotation or altering of its shape or volume
(Nil upwards motion)
Define Divergence & Convergence (-ive DIV)
DIV: Expansion horizontally
CONV opposite to ^^
NET INFLOW MUST MEET NET OUTFLOW.
Define Deformation
What is present for it to occur?
Body of air changes shape.
Confluence and diffluence both present.
When would CONV or DIV occur?
What causes this?
CONV: Air decelerates and/or there is confluence.
DIV: Air accelerates and/or there is diffluence.
Changes in absolute vorticity
Confluence vs. Diffluence
How do they affect CONV & DIV?
Confluence: Air coming together
Diffluence: Air moving apart.
Confluence & Diffluence may ENHANCE CONV & DIV, but they can also exist without.
What must occur if there is CONV at the surface?
Reverse?
What is this?
Ascent of air & DIV aloft
DIV at SFC = subsidence & CONV aloft.
The VERTICAL component of circulation, results in formation of cloud etc.
**What is vorticity & when does it occur?
Vorticity is the amount of rotation at a given point
Occurs where flow is curved or there is shear
**Equation for absolute vorticity?
Relative vorticity + Earths vorticity = Absolute vorticity.
**What is relative vorticity? What is it the the sum of?
What is it dependent on?
It is vorticity relative to the earths SFC.
Curvature and shear vorticity.
The shape and position of the upper air pattern.
**How does earths vorticity affect absolute vorticity?
Earths vorticity is always cyclonic (CW in SH, ACW in NH)
It also swamps Relative vorticity and increases at higher latitudes.
Therefore absolute vorticity is always cyclonic.