A review of these problems has led to the conclusion that the only feasible 

 approach to a comprehensive study of satellite observed SST appears to be the 

 computer processing of FMR tapes without specific prior knowledge as to whether 

 a given pass will contain useful data. In this approach, the Channel 5 albedo data 

 would be the primary source for determining adequately cloud free areas. While 

 this approach is inherently inefficient (since some of the processed data may include 

 not usefully cloud free areas) there would appear to be no alternative. 



An initial trial run of this approach was made for an area off the western 

 coast of Australia, averaging clear sky data from six more or less consecutive 

 passes. The average map showed obvious similarity to the mean monthly charts 

 for this area. This case and others will be discussed in greater detail in the 

 following sections. 



