Why can satellite cloud images be used to predict weather?
On April 2, 1960, American scientists used artificial satellites to photograph the clouds above the Earth for the first time. So why can satellite images predict weather? Every night, the weather forecast issued by the Central Meteorological Observatory is broadcast on TV programs. Initially, a nationwide cloud map will be broadcast all the time. This cloud image is a satellite cloud image sent by a meteorological satellite.
Satellite cloud images have been widely used in weather forecasting and are a very ideal forecasting tool. Different weather is associated with different weather systems. For example, low pressure often brings clouds and rain, while areas of high pressure often bring sunny skies. Different weather systems have different cloud system characteristics, and the shape, structure and brightness of clouds are also different. For example, when cold air moves southward, cloud systems are generally zonal, typhoon systems are generally spiral-shaped, and there are generally no dense cloud systems over high-pressure areas. So a satellite cloud image is like an image of some kind of weather system. According to the distribution of various cloud systems on satellite cloud maps, the distribution of meteorological systems can be known. Understanding the distribution of weather systems makes it easy to predict future weather conditions.
Using satellite cloud images to search for typhoons is an ideal method. In the past, due to the lack of maritime meteorological stations, typhoons were often unable to be detected in time and the exact location of typhoons could not be known, making it difficult to predict the development trend of typhoons. Now with weather satellites, you can have a bird's eye view of the earth from high altitude and take pictures constantly. Since the typhoon system has the characteristics of a spiral cloud belt rotating toward the center, once such a cloud system is found on the satellite cloud image, you can know that there is a typhoon there. In addition, when a typhoon forms, it will be reflected on the satellite cloud map, and then aircraft will be dispatched for detection. This not only saves costs, but also allows the typhoon to be discovered in advance. In the past 20 years, typhoons in the world's tropical oceans have never escaped the sharp gaze of weather satellites recorded in satellite cloud images. Based on satellite images taken continuously at different times, the direction and speed of typhoon movement can be inferred, as well as the development and changes of typhoon movement.
In addition, meteorological satellite cloud images are also very capable of monitoring severe convective weather. Due to their small scope and short lifespan, these weather systems, such as severe thunderstorms and hail, last only a few hours from onset to disappearance. In most cases, general detection methods are not available. Therefore, observing and forecasting these weather systems is very difficult. In the past, people mainly relied on radar to monitor them. However, due to the limited density and detection range of radar stations, warnings can only be issued two or three hours in advance. Now, with weather satellite cloud images, the forecast of small-scale severe convective storms is more reliable.
Meteorological satellites can provide meteorological support to the aviation sector. When flying, aircraft often pass through areas with fewer weather observation stations. For these areas, satellites can provide timely meteorological information. Based on the satellite cloud image, the commander can provide a basis for route weather forecast, and can also decide whether to take off and when to close the airport based on the satellite cloud image. The navy can use satellite cloud images to avoid strong storm areas, choose sea areas with relatively calm weather as supply and personnel gathering points, and can also find cloud areas to hide.
Meteorological satellite photos provide a large amount of information and enable people to gain a lot of new knowledge. The development of these theories can further improve the timeliness and quality of weather forecasts.