Applications of satellite imageries for prediction of severe weather events along Maitri, Antarctica

Abstract

The present paper is an attempt to educate the weather forecaster at Indian Scientific research Station, Maitri, Antarctica in forecasting severe weather (blizzards) using satellite images of various satellites operating in the world. The Polar stationary satellite ‘Trianna’ has been discussed .The availability of the various types of images has also been spelt. The characteristics of satellite images has been described along with overlaying of Automatic Weather station (AWS) data explaining the occurrence of Katabatic winds which also causes blizzards. Blizzard conditions often develop on the northwest side of an intense storm system the difference between the lower pressure in the storm and the higher pressure to the west creates a tight pressure gradient, which in turn results in very strong winds or blizzards. The paper also discusses about the development that took place in Antarctic satellite meteorology since beginning.