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    Integrated Sensor Training (IST) Professional Development Series

    ISTPDS Unit 9:

    Instructional Component 9.1.2

    The Enhanced-V: A Satellite Severe Storm Signature

    Contributors:

    S. Bachmeier, B. Motta, A. Mostek, and D. Bikos


    1) Introduction
      This is a basic course.

      This case reviews the use of the enhanced-V signature in the GOES-IR data. Previous studies by McCann(1981) have indicated the value of real-time satellite data in detecting and monitoring severe thunderstorms.

      The goal of this teletraining session is to review the correct identification and interpretation of the enhanced-V.

    2) Prerequisites

      Prior to attending this session on the enhanced-V satellite signature, you should review the following materials:

      Adler, R.F., M.J. Markus, D.D. Fenn, G. Szejwach, and W.E. Shenk, 1983: Thunderstorm top structure observed by aircraft overflights with an infrared radiometer. J. Climate and Appl. Meteor., 22, 579-593.

      Hilgendorf, E. and Grasso, L., 1998: CIRA Satellite Discussion: The Enhanced-V as Viewed From Three GOES Satellites.

      Hilgendorf, E. and Grasso, L., 1998: CIRA Satellite Discussion: The Warm Wake Part of the Enhanced-V.

      Zehr, R., 1997: CIRA Satellite Discussion: The Enhanced-V.

      McCann, D.W., 1983: The enhanced-V, a satellite observable severe storm signature. Mon. Wea. Rev., 111, 887-894.

      McCann, D.W., 1983: The enhanced-V, a satellite observable severe storm signature. IN: NWA Meteorological Monograph 2-86 "Satellite Imagery Interpetation for Forecasters", Wash., DC., May 1993. Vol. 2, pp. 4-I-1 - 4-I-8.

      Heymsfield, G.M., Blackmer, R., Jr., and Schotz, S., 1983: Upper level structure of Oklahoma tornadic storms on 2 May 1979, Pt. 1 Radar and Satellite observations. Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, Boston, 40(7): 1740-1755.

      Heymsfield, 1983: Upper level structure of Oklahoma tornadic storms on 2 May 1979, Pt. 2, Proposed explanation of V pattern and internal warm region in infrared observations, Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, Boston, 40(7): 1756-1767.

      McCann, D.W., 1981: The enhanced-V, a satellite observable severe storm signature. IN:United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service, Wash., DC., Technical Memorandum (NOAA TM NWS NSSFC-4), March 1981. 31 p., 33, 5-257.


3) Teletraining Installation Instructions


4) Training Session Options

    A.) The interactive VISITview training session. (To be used with a VISIT instructor leading the session ). Click here to signup for teletraining. The session will last 60 minutes. This teletraining session uses the VISITview software, where Windows PC (with 256 MB RAM or greater) with an Internet connection is needed.

    B.) Web-based training session - a "stand alone" version viewed via a Web browser, with embedded talking points included. This lesson version may be viewed at any time.

    C.) Web-based Visitview session - This version uses the VISITview software within a Web browser, may be viewed at any time. It retains all the functionality of the VISITview software which you see in a "live" teletraining session. The talking points are not included in this lesson version, but can be viewed in a separate Web browser (or printed out beforehand).

    D.) local Visitview session - This is the same version of the lesson used in a "live" VISITview teletraining session, but no connection is made to an external VISITview server. You may download the file off this page and go through the lesson on your own in "local mode" by starting the "visitlocal.bat" file. Talking points are not included in this lesson version, but can be viewed in a separate Web browser (or printed out beforehand).


5) Review and Final Remarks

    This training installment used the 29 March 1998 Minnesota tornado case to provide an analysis of the enhanced-V satellite signature using GOES data. This signature is an important indicator of severe weather which can be used during weather warning operations to augment radar information. Also shown are imagery from the Jarrell, Texas tornado outbreak. Of particular interest with this case, is the 1km IR AVHRR data which was available for an interesting comparison with GOES.


6) References:


    IR enhancement examples that are useful to detect Enhanced-V cloud top signatures

    McCann, D.W., 1983: The enhanced-V, a satellite observable severe storm signature. Mon. Wea. Rev., 111, 887-894.

    McCann, D.W., 1983: The enhanced-V, a satellite observable severe storm signature. IN: NWA Meteorological Monograph 2-86 "Satellite Imagery Interpetation for Forecasters", Wash., DC., May 1993. Vol. 2, pp. 4-I-1 - 4-I-8.

    McCann, D.W., 1981: The enhanced-V, a satellite observable severe storm signature. IN:United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Weather Service, Wash., DC., Technical Memorandum (NOAA TM NWS NSSFC-4), March 1981. 31 p., 33, 5-257.

    Heymsfield, G.M., Blackmer, R., Jr., and Schotz, S., 1983: Upper level structure of Oklahoma tornadic storms on 2 May 1979, Pt. 1 Radar and Satellite observations. Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, Boston, 40(7): 1740-1755.

    Heymsfield, 1983: Upper level structure of Oklahoma tornadic storms on 2 May 1979, Pt. 2, Proposed explanation of V pattern and internal warm region in infrared observations, Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences, Boston, 40(7): 1756-1767.

7) Train the Trainer

    Instructor Notes for this training session can be found here.

8) Content developed/updated
    Developed: 1998
    Updated: Spring 2007
9) Information contact: