A short-term cloud forecast scheme using cross correlations

Abstract

Cloud motion vectors are retrieved at a subset of points through multiple applications of a cross-correlation analysis. An area in the first of two sequential frames of satellite data is correlated with surrounding areas in the second frame to find the one surrounding area best correlated. The location difference of the areas defines the displacement vector. An objective analysis is used to define displacements at every satellite pixel throughout the domain and smooth the local inconsistencies. Using these displacements, forecasts are then produced with a backward trajectory technique. -from Authors