Low Level vs. Upper Level, question for experts...

[GTStorm]

I'm sure that this has been asked before, but....

How, from a vis. satellite picture, can you tell if a circulation is upper or lower level? What altitude is considered upper level?

Thanks

[senorpepr]

I'm sure that this has been asked before, but....

How, from a vis. satellite picture, can you tell if a circulation is upper or lower level? What altitude is considered upper level?

Thanks

Well... using a visible satellite picture alone, you can tell the difference between an upper-level and lower-lever circulation by the clouds that are rotating. Visible imagery picks up denser clouds the best since they have the best albedo -- they reflect more. Examples of these clouds are cumulus and stratus. These types of clouds are found in the low-levels (less than 6,500ft).

Since upper-level clouds are typically thin, shallow, and made of small ice crystals, they don't reflect light as well, so they appear greyer than low-level clouds. The typical upper-level cloud seen is cirrus, rather on its on or as blow-off from a thunderstorm. These types of clouds are found above 15,000ft.

Hopefully this helps.
Mike

[jeff]

The use of water vapor images and loops can help determine an upper level circulation.