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CASA (Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere)
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A four-panel image of a simulated tornado emulated by one of the CASA radars (near Chickasha, OK). Displayed are (Upper Left) base velocity image, (Upper Right) reflectivity, (Lower Left) "one-dimensional" pattern vectors of azimuthal cyclonic shear, and (Lower Right) two-dimensional cyclonic shear feature comprised of 1D pattern vectors. Numbered icon represents the detected three-dimensional mesocyclone. White line in upper left gives spatial scale of panel. Larger image
NSSL is participating in an NSF-sponsored Engineering Research Center called the Center for Collaborative Adaptive Sensing of the Atmosphere (CASA) to explore sensing the lower atmosphere with a network of many small-wavelegnth radars spaced to overcome the Earth-curvature sampling issues that occur with current radars. CASA will employ a new observation methodology termed DCAS (Distributed Collaborative Adaptive Sensing networks), that will operate the network of radars collaboratively and adapt to changing atmospheric conditions and the needs of various end users.
What is a distributed collaborative adaptive sensing (DCAS) network? Distributed refers to the use of a dense network of radars capable of high spatial and temporal resolution. These systems will operate collaboratively within a dynamic information technology infrastructure, adapting to changing conditions in a manner that meets competing needs of end users, the government, private industry, and the public.
The CASA project seeks to revolutionize the way we detect, monitor and predict atmospheric phenomena by creating a distributed collaborative adaptive sensor network that samples the atmosphere where and when end user needs are greatest. This system has the potential of having a profound impact on society in terms of lives, property and the economy. The goal of CASA is to dramatically increase the warning time and forecast accuracy for tornadoes, flash floods, land-falling hurricanes, and other airborne hazards that impact millions of people across the US every day.
What is NSSL's role in CASA? Meteorologists at NSSL are developing new circulation detection techniques and enhancing existing applications, such as the Mesocyclone Detection Algorithm (MDA) and Tornado Vortex Signature Detection Algorithm (TDA), to work within the CASA framework.
