THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MARITIME PRECIPITATION RADAR ECHOES AND CLOUD COVER VIEWED BY SATELLITES IN POLAR ORBITS. VOLUME 1

Analysis of concurrent radar data and TIROS IX cloud photographs were made to develop techniques for determining areas of precipitation and severe weather within a given satellite observed cloud situation. During the four-month period studied (14 February to 15 June 1965) there were a number of occasions when frontal bands or cyclone centers were within range of one or more of the ten radar sites at the time of satellite passage. Examples of the precipitation distribution associated with various synoptic patterns are presented with discussions of pertinent features of the attendant cloud cover. From these examples a model of the probable distribution of precipitation within and around a typical maritime cyclone was constructed. The report also discusses situations in which there is widespread cloud cover but little or no precipitation.