Meteorological Satellite Data in Thailand

Meteorological Satellite Data in Thailand

Chongkolnee Yusabye
Meteorological satellite Receiving Station
Meterological Department, Sukhumvit Road,
Bangkok 10110, Thailand

Introduction
Since the first TIROS satellite had lunched and provided imageries of the atmosphere in 1960, meteorologist could utilize these data for study and making research in metrology. When meteorological satellite programmed was developed with higher efficiency in taking photo the meteorological satellite data were not only use for metrology but also for other aspects. In Thailand, meteorological Department are aware of its necessity in using meteorological satellite data for help in weather forecasting and warning system. Therefore the establishment of meteorological satellite receiving station in July 1970 at the headquarter in Bangkok, will provide the meteorological centre with processed information, such as receiving signal from meteorological satellites and further distributed images to all user concerted to the general public by the mass media.

Meteorological satellite receiving Station
Meterological satellite receiving Station was operated in 1970 the first picture received from ESSA-8 was in low resolution image. During 1970-1980, all images was used only for daily weather forcasting and the warning system was operated only for some time . When meteorological satellites had been gradually developed with higher efficiency in

Higher resolution, larger area, more channels and more frequency of time. Meteorological satellite receiving Station was improved and upgraded according to the new series of satellite technology. At present time, this station receive two NOAA satellites and one GMS satellite. The images available are beneficial for meteorological aspects and also to meet the requirement in education areas.

Utilization of meteorological Satellite data in Thailand
All the meteorological satellite images has been put into operation for daily weather forecasting aviation and warnings . The images show position and movement of severe weather . Hourly GMS satellite images cover Asia, Australia , Indian ocean and west pacific ocean including taking phopto in visible wavelength between 0.5 – 0.75 m and thermal infrared wavelength 10.5-12.5m . Visible images demonstrate kind of cloud and product of enhance infrared images are distiguish temperature of cloud which usefull for analyze severe weather aspects. In addition , two NOAA satellites provide AVHRR and TOVS data’s. The TOVS combines data from the earth’s surface up though stratosphere . Winds data from TOVS can serve data over sea and ocean where no any data. The AVHRR is a five channel (chl 0.58 – 0.68 m ch2 0.725 – 1.10m ch3 3.55- 3.93m ch4 10.3-11.3m ch5 11.5- 12.5m ) scanning radiometer which provides imagery . NOAA data which which this station can receive are cover area of Southeast Asia and surrounding.

There are several case studies have been use to demonstrate the utility of metrological satellite images, ED curve provide intensity of typhoon manner, HR curve provide heavy rainfall area, TH curve is useful to analyze temperature and cloud top height . Image loops show cloud movement track of disturbance especially movement of tropical cyclone which very

useful for give the efficiency of warning service . In November 1989, when “Typhoon Gay” passed throughout the south, and caused lots of damage and casualty. Meteorological Department used GMS satellite images to forecast and give warning to the public, and the agencies concerned through the mass communication media. Concentration is placed on the improvement in the dissemination of time warning of Typhoon, floods, to reduce the loss of human lives and damage caused by typhoon, including damage to houses, public facilities, and agricultural products and so on. According to there are five channel in NOAA data, so it is also very useful for environment . Product of images in chi and ch2 are use for vegetation/agriculture assessments and surface water delineation especially flooding area. The cast study in “The Application of Metrological satellite images in flooding monitoring at pasak River Basin “ shows flooding area very clear. The images in ch3 show hot spot detection the images in ch4 and ch5 are use for sea surface temperature measurments, also show the current of sea water which is helpful for the fisherman who needs data for study kind of fish and fish migration

Figure 1 BD curve : to analyze tropical cyclone intencity

Figure 2 HR curve : to analyze heavy rainfall area

Figure 3 TH curve : to analyze cloud temperature and cloud top height
Conclusion
Meteorological satellite receiving station in Thailand reaches its high potential in providing data for the work of weather forecasting as well as serving other authorities needs such as agriculture, hydrology, oceanography fishery and others as much as possible . So the responsibility and work of Meteorological satellite receiving station not only help develop the country but also prevent damages that cause by weather.