Automatic Tracking and Characterization of Cumulonimbus Clouds from FY-2C Geostationary Meteorological Satellite Images
Figure 2
Diagram of the life stages of a cloud patch (L). (a)–(c) demonstrate birth and straightforward continuations for a single cloud patch; (d)–(h) show complicated Cb patches with other minor splits, mergers concerned. (a) The birth of a new Cb patch (L1). There is no previous corresponding Cb patch for the current Cb patch; (b) development of single cloud patch (L2). It is characterized with straightforward continuation of a Cb patch with area increasing; (c) dissipation of single cloud patch (L3). It is the same as L2 but with area decreasing; (d) merge of complex cloud patch (L4). A Cb patch is a few Cb patches merger; (e) dissipation into several Cb patches (L5). A Cb patch breaks up into several Cb patches; (f) development of complex Cb patch (L6); a Cb patch simultaneously breaks up and absorbs another preexisting cloud while absorption takes the main trend; (g) dissipation of complex cloud patch (L7). Similar to (f) while the dissipation takes the main trend; (h) uncertain cloud patch (L8). Similar to (f) while there is no obvious dissipation process.
