• MODIS Pic of the Day 13 January 2023

    From Dan Richter@1:317/3 to All on Fri Jan 13 11:00:46 2023
    January 13, 2023 - Storms Continue to Batter the West Coast of the United States

    atmospheric rivers
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    On January 11, 2023, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer
    (MODIS) on board NASA’s Aqua satellite acquired a true-color image of
    yet atmospheric river winding up over the Pacific Ocean and taking aim
    at a thoroughly-drenched California.

    A series of five back-to-back atmospheric rivers has battered much of
    the state since late December 2022, creating severe flooding,
    landslides, more than a billion dollars of damage, and the death of at
    least 18 people.

    According to the National Weather Service, almost all of the state has
    received rainfall totals of 400-600 percent above average between
    December 26, 2022 and January 9, 2023. The latest storm hit
    particularly hard in Southern California. Over January 8-9, 2023, much
    of the region from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles received 3 to 7 inches
    (8 to 18 cm) of rain. Some areas of Ventura and Santa Barbara counties
    saw over 16 inches (41 cm) of rainfall in just two days. The highest
    rainfall reported was in Ventura, which recorded 18.78 inches (47.7
    cm).

    An atmospheric river is a long, narrow corridor of concentrated
    moisture that can transport moisture for thousands of miles—they are
    the largest transport mechanism of freshwater on Earth. They are also
    among the most damaging storm types in the middle latitudes, especially
    with regard to the hazardous wind they produce.

    While January 12 brought some relatively clear skies and a break in the
    rain to parts of California, the next system will bring rain and snow
    to the West Coast beginning on January 13. As it exits, yet another
    atmospheric river is expected to bring additional precipitation and
    wind starting on January 15.

    Image Facts
    Satellite: Aqua
    Date Acquired: 1/11/2023
    Resolutions: 1km (4.5 MB),
    Bands Used: 1,4,3
    Image Credit: MODIS Land Rapid Response Team, NASA GSFC



    https://modis.gsfc.nasa.gov/gallery/individual.php?db_date=2023-01-13

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