Radiation fog viewed by INSAT – 1 D and Kalpana Geo - Stationary satellite

Abstract

The intense, long-spell and synoptic scale fog over north India has been studied using Very High Resolution Radiometer (V.H.R.R.) visible imageries of INSAT-1D and Kalpana Geo-Stationary satellites. The intensity, coverage and characteristics of fog seen in satellite imageries are found to be in conformity with the ground –based surface meteorological observations. The unusually long spell fog formations have been explained using maximum temperature and relative humidity anomalies of I.G.I Airport, New Delhi, Amousi Airport, Lucknow, Babatpur Airport, Varanasi and Rajasansi Airport, Amritsar. Atmospheric stability of very high order was seen in the lower part of the atmosphere at Delhi creating favourable condition for the formation of intense and long-spell fog. The relation between Wetness Index derived based on Basist study (1998) using 19, 37 and 85 GHz frequency channels of Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) onboard Defense Meteorological Satellite Programme (DMSP) satellite and fog duration were studied.