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National Weather Service |
Effectively operate and fully utilize all satellite (GOES and polar) data in real-time operational weather forecasting.
To improve efficiency and accuracy when forecasting weather phenomena and issuing warnings for severe weather events, forecasters should know how to maximize the use of the full suite of satellite data sets. Knowledge of the strengths, limitations, and applications of satellite data are important factors in analyzing the current state-of the-atmosphere for all types of weather. Moreover, optimization of various satellite products can impact satellite observations which are critical to operational forecasting and warning decisions.
1. Ability to display and manipulate satellite products using the AWIPS workstation.
2. Understanding of the basic instrument groups (and primary components) of the GOES and polar systems and the functions they perform.
3. Understanding of the processes by which the GOES and polar satellites estimate precipitation and the potential error sources involved in these processes.
4. Understanding of GOES and polar satellite data-generation processes.
5. Understanding of the inherent limitations in GOES and polar satellite observations and how to mitigate any data ambiguities of associated products.
6. Ability to interpret various large- and small-scale cloud (and moisture) patterns and their corresponding meteorological conditions.
7. Understanding of how satellite can supplement or complement other observing systems (data integration).
8. Ability to interpret all satellite data and derived products especially:
9. Understanding of the basic systems operations, communication aspects, and control of system components (such as SOCC) of the satellite program.
Instructional Component 6.1: The NWSTCs will develop a web-based library of short phenomena-based case studies that illustrates the integrated sensor approach forecasting methodology.
Instructional Component 6.2: COMET Satellite Meteorology, a two-week class held in the COMET classroom in Boulder.
6.2.1 Derived Cloud Motion Fields (Webcast). This Webcast presentation by Don Gray (NESDIS) provides an overview of current NESDIS processing to derive cloud-tracked winds using GOES. This Webcast module is the first in a series of presentations recorded during the SatMet class.
6.2.2 GOES Sounder Information and Resources. This resource page includes GOES Sounder module updates and key documents, links to online tutorials, and links to real-time sounder data sources.
6.2.3 Multi-channel Analysis - 4 April 1997 High Plains Storm by Don Moore. This case provides an example of how to use satellite imagery to forecast a complex and changing weather system, this case is presented from a forecasting perspective. Therefore, imagine you are working as public forecaster on the day shift at the NWS WFO in Cheyenne, WY (CYS). Don Moore (now in Spokane) presents this case at the Satellite Meteorology course.
6.2.4 Three Classes of Storm Top Signatures in Infrared Satellite Data. The goal of this session is to demonstrate how Infrared satellite image temperature patterns on thunderstorm tops correspond to the environment. This session will introduce three classes of signatures. The enhanced-V will be shown to belong to Class II. By dividing thunderstorm signatures into three classes the student will be better able to locate storm updrafts in IR satellite imagery.
Instructional Component 6.3: NWSTC/WFOs will develop and maintain a library of case studies that can be played back on AWIPS workstations to illustrate forecast and warning methodology. (Awaiting archive capability in AWIPS)
Instructional Component 6.4: Modules utilize all online and CD-ROM module resources to review critical satellite data, principles, products, and applications.
6.4.1 Polar Satellite Products for the Operational Forecaster Module 1: POES Introduction and Background. This module provides an overview of current polar satellite products and their applications in forecasting situations and also contains a summary of instruments currently in use and a short history of the U.S. polar satellite program. The module is the first in a series focusing on polar satellite products and applications.
6.4.2 Polar Satellite Products for the Operational Forecaster Module 2: Microwave Products and Applications. This module provides a closer look at the capabilities, products, and applications available to operational weather forecasting with the present suite of microwave instruments onboard both NOAA and DMSP satellites. The sequence of topics progresses from the basic concepts and principles of microwave remote sensing, to products and applications useful for daily real-time analysis and short-term forecasting of weather events from tropical to polar latitudes. Tables are available for quick reference to summaries of key product issues concerning status, quality, and availability. Access is also provided to several real-time Internet sites, allowing for browsing of select operational and experimental datasets.
6.4.3 Polar Satellite Products for the Operational Forecaster Module 3: Case Studies. This module in the series on polar satellite meteorology explores two case studies that exploit some of the capabilities of the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU) on the NOAA-15 satellite and the Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) on the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites. The first case, located over the Pacific Northwest, demonstrates the role of AMSU moisture products within an integrated suite of data and model products using the Advanced Weather and Information Processing System (AWIPS). The second case, affecting the southeastern U.S., demonstrates the ability of AMSU and SSM/I rainfall products to assess short-range rainfall potential for tropical cyclones.
6.4.4 Polar Satellite Products for the Operational Forecaster, Module 4: Soundings. This module, the fourth in the POES series, describes the different sounding products available from NOAA polar-orbiting satellites. The module begins with a section on frequently asked questions about polar satellite sounding and its application. Other sections of the module feature interactive tables that summarize the differences between POES, GOES, and RAOB soundings and provide comparisons of soundings from these platforms. Another table describes and shows examples of the different products available from POES sounders. The module also includes a review of the POES sounder retrieval process, a resources section with links to real-time data, and a self-evaluation test.
6.4.5 An Introduction to POES Data and Products. The material in this teletraining session is designed to provide introductory information about POES data and products. The session begins by answering the following questions: What is POES ?; � Why use POES data ? � What are the problems with POES data ?. The training session covers the following material: Section 2: POES Orbits and Coverage; Section 3: Examples of Products; Section 4: Real-time POES data access and Section 5: Summary and Evaluation.
Instructional Component 6.5: Bibliography: The training providers will provide an on-line (web-based) bibliography that identifies some of the key subject matter-related references for this particular unit. The NWSTCs will assist WFOs in obtaining articles, if needed.
Evaluation 6.1: Evaluation 6.1: At each office, the SOO will be assigned responsibility and provided with the tools for ensuring that all satellite data and products are utilized in an integrated manner by forecasters.
Evaluation 6.2: Evaluation 6.2: At each office, a focal point should develop unique local cases or create other exercises that allow forecasters to demonstrate their knowledge of the most important local effects on the use of integrated satellite datasets and products.
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