WV/VIS/IR comparison

Visible Image

• Space is black.
• Except for thin cirrus, clouds are bright white.
• Most water is dark; sun glint can brighten it considerably.
• Land varies in brightness depending on snow cover, vegetation, soil moisture, etc.

Infrared Image

• Space is white (cold).
• High/deep clouds are white.
• Low clouds are gray, often indistinguishable from the surface.
• The surface (land or water) varies in brightness depending on skin temperature.

Water Vapor Image

• Space is white (cold).
• High/deep clouds are white.
• Low clouds are not visible.
• There is considerable variation in brightness in clear air depending on mid- to upper-level moisture and/or temperature.