Satellite observations of cloud systems over the Caribbean Sea

Abstract

Tropical cloud systems when viewed from satellites often display marked organization. This organization may be associated with low level wind systems, or with high level wind systems, or with both. When the organization is in a cirriform cloud, it is evident that some organization exists at upper levels. For example, when diverging cirrus cloud patterns are associated with very bright cloud masses, they suggest divergence aloft. The presence of high level douds may be inferred from pictures or from radiation measurements.