1. Where are the regions of low clouds, mid-level clouds and high clouds? How can you tell?

Everyone pretty much got this one right. Higher cloud-tops mean cooler radiative temperatures, which are represented by lighter colors on the two images.

2. In Southeast Oklahoma and Northeast Texas, there is a region which on the IR image appears to have four different shades or colors, all fairly close to each other. Using only the information available on this IR image, briefly describe the surface weather and any vertical temperature changes at the following locations

Region 1: This area has radiative temperatures of about -10 C, and could be either cold low level clouds or cold surface temperatures.

Region 2: Radiative temperatures are about -15 C in this area, most likely due to mid-level clouds.

Region 3: Radiative temperatures are about 0 C. The weather conditions in this region require a little work. Notice that in Western Texas and New Mexico, surface features are visible on this infrared satellite image, so these areas have no cloud cover and are cold at the surface. Now notice the sharp rise in temperatures as you move to the east, into central Texas. Is this a "warm pool" or surface air? Or is this a low-level cloud deck at the top of an inversion? Look now at Region 4, in east Texas, and you'll notice a small warm area surrounded by the air of Region 3. In this area we can see some small surface features, lakes, so we can conclude that this region has clear skies and is warm (~5 C). Therefore, Region 3 looks like a cloud deck, beneath which the air is cooler to the North and West of Dallas, and which is warmer to the East and South of Dallas.

Region 4: See explanation for Region 3.

Region 5: Radiative temperatures of about 10 C (surface temps) and also down to about -40 C, which are cloud tops. We can't say for certain if these high clouds are cirrus or the tops of thunderstorms.

3. In what ways would a visible satellite image from the same time be useful?

A visible satellite image from the same time (assuming that time is during daylight) would contrast areas of low-level clouds or fog with the surface. The infrared image only displays radiative temperatures, so ground fog and cold surface temps in the same area might look identical with IR. Also, a visible satellite image would give information about what kind of high level clouds were in place over Region 5 (Houston).

4. In what ways would a water vapor satellite image from the same time be useful?

A water vapor image would be useful to determine the upper level flow, as well as possible areas of ascent and descent. Additionally, a water vapor image might confirm if the high clouds near Houston are cirrus or thunderstorm tops, as thunderstorm updrafts contain much greater amounts of water vapor that cirrus clouds.