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Clustering, randomness and regularity in cloud fields. I - Theoretical considerations. II - Cumulus cloud fieldsThe current controversy existing in reference to the regularity vs. clustering in cloud fields is examined by means of analysis and simulation studies based upon nearest-neighbor cumulative distribution statistics. It is shown that the Poisson representation of random point processes is superior to pseudorandom-number-generated models and that pseudorandom-number-generated models bias the observed nearest-neighbor statistics towards regularity. Interpretation of this nearest-neighbor statistics is discussed for many cases of superpositions of clustering, randomness, and regularity. A detailed analysis is carried out of cumulus cloud field spatial distributions based upon Landsat, AVHRR, and Skylab data, showing that, when both large and small clouds are included in the cloud field distributions, the cloud field always has a strong clustering signal.
Document ID
19930039219
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Weger, R. C.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Lee, J.
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Zhu, Tianri
(NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Welch, R. M.
(South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Rapid City, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
December 20, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 97
Issue: D18
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Accession Number
93A23216
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-88-16052
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG1-542
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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