ATLAS OF CLOUD VORTEX PATTERNS OBSERVED IN SATELLITE PHOTOGRAPHS.

Abstract : Cloud vortices, designated as such by the U.S. Weather Bureau in the nephanalyses of TIROS III, IV, V, and VI through December 1962, were examined and classified on the basis of cloud pattern similarity or characteristics with due cognizance of the pressure analysis at the surface and 500-mb levels. By contractual agreement, each vortex selected was accompanied by one or more surface weather observations within 300 nm of the vortex center. Both tropical vortices (70 cases) and extratropical vortices (132 cases) are presented. From these cases it was possible to illustrate sixteen histories of extra-tropical vortex cloud patterns and twelve histories of tropical cloud vortex patterns. All the systems are in the northern hemisphere. Extratropical cloud vortices were divided into major and minor vortices. The major vortices were classified into nine distinct cloud patterns; the minor vortices were classified by their associated isobaric patterns. Tropical cloud vortices were grouped into six classifications based on pattern and size. Descriptions of all the classifications are provided. (Author)