Monthly rain falling on the Indian Ocean is mapped for the period 1979 through 1981 by means of observations of the Nimbus-7 Scanning Multichannel Microwave Radiometer. Both stationary and mobile parts were found in the pattern of rain. The stationary part consisted of three zonal and two meridional bands. Only one, the band along and south of the equator, maintained a strong presence through all seasons. A north equatorial counterpart to this south equatorial band also was persistent, but weak. The mobile part of the pattern took the form of a wave. The locus of this wave was an eastward-tilted figure eight, which straddled the equator. The wave moved clockwise along the north loop of the figure eight, counterclockwise along the south loop. The crest of the wave crossed the equator from south to north in May or June and crossed the equator from north to south between August and October. Along its path the equatorial bands were alternately amplified and damped, and the transient bands were activated and suppressed. The effect of the bands and wave was to produce a strong "monsoon" (annual cycle, summer peak) signature in rain falling over both the northeastern and southwestern reaches of the Indian Ocean.
To examine whether the addition of satellite data to forecasting procedures helps forecasters make better forecasts, we studied a meteorological consulting firm and its clients before and after satellite data were used in the preparation of weather forecasts, and whether the clients benefited from this new data source. We found that the satellite data were most valuable when they could be looped to show evolving cloud patterns and enhanced to show brightness differences. The satellite data would have been even more useful if the dissemination system were more flexible and the images were not pregridded. Our main conclusions are: 1) Satellite data are most useful to forecasters in data-poor areas and also help to fine-tune forecasts in data-rich areas. Because even slight improvements in forecast accuracy can result in sizable savings for clients, the use of satellite data can produce a significant economic benefit. 2) Working with satellite data is a valuable educational experience for forecasters and undoubtedly improves their forecasting skills. 3) Any future satellite data delivery system should take into account the needs and facilities of the user community. Finally, we have shown that it is possible, using real data in actual situations, to help determine some of the economic effects of a new tool and the ways it can be used to bring about greater public benefits.
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