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satellite photos These are the products of various imaging satellites that are made available to mariners via weather fax broadcasts. The ones available this way are listed in the set of fax schedules, RES-3. These photos can be used to locate fronts from cloud patterns in the visible photographs, and the intensity of the fronts from the infrared photos. Well developed fronts will have tall clouds that are colder and show up whiter. The total absence of clouds usually indicates a high pressure system. See ART-30 for a list of references on the technology of producing these photos as well as interpreting them. The infrared pictures can be valuable in locating warm water currents such as the Gulf Stream, but these pictures in general are secondary to the actual surface analysis maps and forecasts. All satellite photos are available on the internet. See almost any of the weather resources listed in RES-23.

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