May 9, 1997
The
thermal channels of the GOES 8/9 geostationary satellites measure upwelling
radiation from the Earth's surface and lower tropospheric
water vapor. In the absence of clouds the satellite data can be used to
monitor hourly changes in thermal characteristics of the surface. The figure
at the right (click for full image) shows the thermal characteristics of
the Atlanta, Georgia region at 10:30p EDT on May 6, 1997 as seen by the
GOES 8 satellite. The resolution of the GOES data is 4 km. By applying a
physical retrieval scheme to correct for the atmospheric affects, the actual
land surface temperature can be obtained. While the absolute value of this
parameter is dependent on the emissivity of the surface, the time rate of
change of the surface temperature is not affected and can be used as an
indicator of the urban heat island effect.
Return to Hot 'Lanta story.
Authors: Gary Jedlovec,
Ron Suggs
Curator: Bryan Walls
NASA Official: John M. Horack