Author: Frederick J. Brousaides

Publisher:

Published: 1982

Total Pages: 34

ISBN-13:

The capability and performance of the AN/GMQ-13 Cloud Height Set, commonly referred to as the Rotating Beam Ceilometer (RBC), was reviewed. Included in the study is an assessment of its ability to meet specific requirements for automting the measurement of cloud field properties, that is, layering and cloud cover, through the application of the hierarchical clustering technique. It is concluded that a single RBC system cannot meet current stated requirements for cloud height measurement. An RBC with a 1600 ft baseline can meet the high altitude requirement but has difficulty with low ceilings that are also associated with conditions of restricted visibility. An RBC with a 400-ft baseline does well at low altitudes but is totally inadequate at high altitudes. An obvious compromise would be the deployment of two RBCS, or one projector and two receivers. The hierarchical clustering technique for the determination of cloud field properties was previously demonstrated in AFGL and AWS field tests. The resolution and accuracy to be obtained is a function of the number of ceilometers available, their orientation, and time averaging considerations.

Author: Frederick J. Brousaides

Publisher:

Published: 1982

Total Pages: 34

ISBN-13:

The capability and performance of the AN/GMQ-13 Cloud Height Set, commonly referred to as the Rotating Beam Ceilometer (RBC), was reviewed. Included in the study is an assessment of its ability to meet specific requirements for automting the measurement of cloud field properties, that is, layering and cloud cover, through the application of the hierarchical clustering technique. It is concluded that a single RBC system cannot meet current stated requirements for cloud height measurement. An RBC with a 1600 ft baseline can meet the high altitude requirement but has difficulty with low ceilings that are also associated with conditions of restricted visibility. An RBC with a 400-ft baseline does well at low altitudes but is totally inadequate at high altitudes. An obvious compromise would be the deployment of two RBCS, or one projector and two receivers. The hierarchical clustering technique for the determination of cloud field properties was previously demonstrated in AFGL and AWS field tests. The resolution and accuracy to be obtained is a function of the number of ceilometers available, their orientation, and time averaging considerations.