Reference no: EM132448006

1. What are the minimum cloud-top temperatures (the units are degrees C) in the region corresponding to an area of high reflectivity? Convert this temperature to degrees F.
2.  Explain how the relative altitude of these clouds can be determined based only on their temperatures.
3.  Compared to other clouds surrounding the area you are concentrating on, are these clouds low or high?
4. Now turn your attention to the area of high radar reflectivity. What does this reflectivity value indicate about the size and number of the hydrometeors (precipitation targets) within the cloud?
5.  Explain the relationship that you have observed in this exercise. That is, explain why the cloud-top characteristics that you have observed are related to the high reflectivity values. In your explanation, you might want to comment on the common type of cloud that might exhibit both of these characteristics?
6. Explain whether this relationship will always hold true. If so, explain why; if not, cite an example where it might fail.

 Use the following  instructions to guide you....

First, go to the national radar mosaic (link is external) at the Web site for the National Weather Service and focus your attention on an area with relatively strong radar echoes. Now simply click on the interactive map in this area in order to view the local radar image. It is important to make sure that your local radar image has reflectivities in excess of 30 dBZ (dBZ are the standard units of reflectivity). If it does, save this image to your local computer following the procedure as in previous assignments. Note the time of the radar image that you saved (located in the top banner of the image)

Next, go to the National Center for Atmospheric Research Satellite Observation page (link is external). Select "Infrared (Color)" and then click on the map near where your radar image is located. You should now see a colorful infrared satellite image. Note the time on this satellite image--it must be within 30 minutes of the radar image that you collected and it must be a local area image centered as much as possible over the area your radar is focused on. If it is, save this image to your local computer following the procedure as in previous assignments.