500-mb. Heights as a Linear Function of Satellite Infrared Radiation Data

The technique of stepwise multiple regression is applied to 45 days of data in establishing functional relations between the heights of the 500-mb. surface and TIROS I V long-wave radiation data during the period March to June, 1962. Twenty-six points were selected for height specification in the general area.of the eastern Pacific and the North American Continent. Sixty points were selected as a source of radiation “predictors” in a larger area that not only encompasses most of the 26 height points but extends farther westward across the Pacific. Sample charts show the correlation fields that result when the height values a t each point are correlated with the radiation data a t each of 60 poipts. The screening process that selects the best predictors is arbitrarily stopped a t preset numbers of predictors. The resulting regression equations are evaluated on both dependent and independent samples. Even though the independent results are not outstanding for this particular sample, the method itself appears to offer promise for height and height contour specification over areas where direct measurements of heights are sparse or missing entirely.