Help with Abbreviations
As you may have already noticed, the IEM website is filled with abbreviations!
This index should help you decipher them. If there is an abbreviation that
is omitted, please let us know.
ASOS -- Automated Surface Observing System
Used on the IEM to refer to the network of stations sponsored by
the Federal Aviation Administration, National Weather Service and the
Department of Defense.
AWOS -- Automated Weather Observing System
Refers to the network of stations administrated by the Federal Aviation
Administration or owned by local entities.
COOP -- Cooperative Observer Program
Network of human observers making daily observations for the
National Weather Service
DCP -- Data Collection Platforms
DOT -- Department of Transportation
FAA -- Federal Aviation Administration
IEM -- Iowa Environmental Mesonet
Web site you are currently visiting. :)
ISU AG -- Iowa State University Agricultural Climate Network
Network of observing stations located at ISU research farms throughout the state.
NEXRAD -- Next Generation Weather Radar system
Is the network of Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doopler
(WSR-88D) sites.
NRCS -- National Resources Conservation Service
Part of the US Department of Agriculture.
NWS -- National Weather Service
The NWS is responsible for public dissemination of
weather data, forecasts and warnings.
RWIS -- Roadway Weather Information System
Owned by the state Department of Transportation, these sensors
are found along major roads in the state.
RUC2 -- Rapid Update Cycle
Weather forecast model ran at the National Center for
Environmental Prediction. This model is executed hourly and generates 12 hour
forecasts.
SCAN -- Soil Climate Analysis Network
Operated by the National Resources Conservation Service, these
stations provide detailed soil observations on multiple levels.
USGS -- United States Geological Survey
