Training Module on METOP AVHRR RGB Images

• Chapter III: METOP AVHRR Day Microphysics RGB


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• Aim
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• Physical Basis
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• How to create METOP AVHRR Day Microphysics RGB images
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• Typical Colors
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• Examples of Interpretation
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• Benefits and limitations
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• Comparison with SEVIRI Day Microphysics RGB images
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• Exercises

Benefits and limitations

Benefits

• This RGB type provides complex and general cloud analysis. It provides information on cloud optical thickness, cloud top temperature and microphysics (phase and effective particle size).
• Good color contrast between
  
  
  • ice and water clouds
  • cold ice clouds and snow
  • snow and water clouds
  • land and sea
  • land and clouds
  • sea and clouds
  • thin and thick ice clouds

Limitations

• The color contrast between water clouds with small and large particles is weak
• These images are less convenient for the public, because
  • the colors are far from natural colors and
  • the interpretation of the images requires practice.