LAB #9 - SURFACE TEMPERATURE DETERMINATION USING SATELLITE DATA

In this lab, you will explore the relationship between satellite-observed temperatures and those observed at the ground.  The goal of the lab is to create an empirical relationship between the observed satellite brightness temperature at 10.7 microns and the observed temperature at the ground.  In theory, this relationship could then be used to generate maps of surface skin temperature from the observed satellite brightness temperatures.

All graphs, images and discussion should be placed in a web page.

1.  DATA COLLECTION

• Using the data in the met lab, superimpose surface observations on a 10.7 micron channel image. 
• Make sure that the surface and satellite data times match. 
• Record the brightness temperature for the pixel immediately over the surface station.  Also record the surface station temperature.  Make 40 pairs of observations.  Be sure that there are no clouds over the surface station at the time you are making the observations.  Save an image example for one station and place it in your web page.

2.  DATA ANALYSIS

• Import your data into a spread sheet.
• Plot a scatter diagram of your data and fit the data with a linear trend line.  The equation should be of the form Ts=ao+a1*T10.7
• What are ao and a1?
• Comment on how good the relationship is between Ts and T10.7.

3.  APPLICATION OF YOUR TEMPERATURE EQUATION

• How good is your equation at estimating surface temperature?  Take 20 pairs of observations where each pair is comprised of an observed surface temperature and the other is predicted from your equation.  From a statistical point of view, comment on the usefulness of your equation to estimate surface temperatures.