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Ensemble Applications in Winter

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This lesson provides an introduction to ensemble forecast systems using an operational case study of the Blizzard of 2013 in Southern Ontario. The module uses models available to forecasters in the Meteorological Service of Canada, including Canadian and U.S. global and regional ensembles. After briefly discussing the rationale for ensemble forecasting, the module presents small lessons on probabilistic ensemble products useful in winter weather forecasting, immediately followed by forecast applications to a southern Ontario case. The learner makes forecasts for the Ontario Storm Prediction Center area and, in the short range, for the Toronto metropolitan area. An additional section applies a probabilistic aviation product to forecasts for Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Interviews with Frank Leitz, Senior Chemical Engineer, Bureau of Reclamation

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In these three short video interviews, Frank Leitz, Senior Chemical Engineer with the Bureau of Reclamation shares stories and lessons learned from his work on water purification and desalination projects. In the first video, “Lessons-learned: Cost-modeling for Desalination Projects”, Frank shares some historical lessons from his experience estimating the cost of desalination projects. In the second video, “The Pioneering Role of the Yuma Desalting Plant in Large-Scale Membrane Desalination”, Frank provides some interesting background to the story of the creation of this historic and innovative project. In the final video of this set, “What was a major success of the Desalination and Water Purification Research Program (DWPR)?”, Frank describes some of the key achievements of this very successful program. This resource, produced in cooperation between the Bureau of Reclamation and The COMET® Program, a part of UCAR's Community Programs, is hosted on COMET's YouTube Channel.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

An Introduction to Geodetic Datums

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This series of short videos, produced in collaboration between NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey and The COMET Program, provides an introduction to geodetic datums for anyone who uses mapping products or other geo-spatial tools. 1. What are Geodetic Datums? (4:36) In this video we explain the basic concepts behind geodetic datums, where they are used, and why it is important to know about and use the correct datums. 2. How Were Geodetic Datums Established? (3:12) In this video, we explore the history of geodetic datums in the United States, and how they were established at a national level to assure consistency across mapping applications. 3. What Is the Status of Today's Geodetic Datums? (4:49) Here we examine the use of the current primary geodetic datums used in the US, NAD 83 and NAVD 88, the challenges in maintaining these datums, and the inconsistencies that arise when they are used together with the latest satellite-based mapping technologies. 4. What's Next for Geodetic Datums? (4:41) Finally, we look at current plans for developing more accurate horizontal and vertical datums, (referred to respectively as geometric and geopotential datums), the expected benefits and impacts, and the importance of preparing now to adopt these new datums. This resource is hosted on COMET's YouTube Channel.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Introduction to Observing Oil from Helicopters and Planes

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Aircrews and pilots are frequently the first to see oil spills on water. They provide critical eyes in the sky for U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) response teams and NOAA's Office of Response and Restoration. Oil spill responders use a common terminology for describing and reporting oil spills. This lesson teaches aircrews how to identify, describe, and report spills using that terminology. Misidentifying natural events as oil spills is a common, and sometimes expensive, mistake. This lesson also points out common false positives when trying to identify oil spills. While our primary audience for this lesson is aircrews, other flight crew members may find this lesson useful, including personnel from Incident Management Divisions and the Coast Guard Auxiliary. In the event that a spill has been reported, pilots and aircrews may find themselves supporting a mission with trained oil spill observers on board. This lesson also provides information on how to work most effectively with those observers to ensure a successful mission.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Introduction to VIIRS Imaging and Applications

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This lesson introduces the VIIRS imager that operates on the current U.S. Suomi NPP satellite and is planned for future JPSS environmental satellites. VIIRS has many advanced features that improve both spectral and spatial resolution and enable the delivery of consistent, high quality, and high resolution data to users worldwide. The lesson covers the enhanced capabilities of VIIRS and highlights some of its applications. These include single channel and multispectral products used to monitor dust, volcanic ash, convection, fog and low clouds, sea surface temperature, tropical cyclones, contrails, and ocean color. A special feature on VIIRS, the Day Night Band low-light visible channel, is also introduced. For more information on the channel and its capabilities, users are referred to the COMET lesson "Advances in Space-Based Nighttime Visible Observation."

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

An Introduction to the Downscaled Climate and Hydrology Projections Website

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These two videos serve as an introduction to the Downscaled Climate and Hydrology Projections website. This website, the result of a collaboration between several federal and non-federal partners, provides access to downscaled climate and hydrology projections for the contiguous United States and parts of Canada and Mexico, derived from contemporary global climate models. In the first video, Dr. Subhrendu Gangopadhyay, hydrologic engineer at the Bureau of Reclamation's Technical Service Center in Denver, introduces the website and provides an overview of the MetEd lesson Preparing Hydro-climate Inputs for Climate Change in Water Resources Planning. This lesson provides necessary background information needed to use the projections site effectively to retrieve climate and hydrology projections data for impacts analysis. In the second video, Dr. Gangopadhyay steps through the process of retrieving projections data using the website. This resource, produced in cooperation between the Bureau of Reclamation and The COMET® Program, is hosted on COMET's YouTube Channel.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Precision and Accuracy in Geodetic Surveying

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This brief video focuses on the importance of both precision and accuracy in geodetic surveying and the difference between them. Produced in collaboration between NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey and The COMET Program, this video is aimed at surveying professionals, planners, policy-makers and others who use mapping products. The video emphasizes that the accuracy of survey measurements should always be verified by relating measurements to a known reference system such as the National Spatial Reference System in the United States. This resource is hosted on COMET's YouTube Channel.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Primary Influences on Water Temperature for Inland Streams

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This lesson explores the primary influences, or drivers, on water temperature of inland streams and rivers. We use a simulated flight, or flyover, where we look down at the features of the South Boise River in Idaho. An unregulated as well as a regulated reach of the river are explored (above and below the Anderson Ranch Reservoir), with a look at cross sections of the river and its environment at key locations during the flyover. We explore how environmental factors (climate, geography, stream morphology) impact water temperatures. Then, after defining the factors that affect water temperature, we identify which factors are most important for water temperature change due to climate.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Quasi Geostrophic Omega Equation

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This learning object/widget is designed for upper-level undergraduates or forecaster interns who want to apply their knowledge of the Quasi-geostrophic Omega Equation to forecast situations. The interactivity helps users see how each variable interacts within the equation and shows data for different phase shifts of 500hPa and 1000hPa heights. Instructors can use this learning object with their own question sets as well to build more understanding and application into their dynamics/synoptic course.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Quasi Geostrophic Vorticity Equation

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This learning object/widget is designed for upper-level undergraduates or forecaster interns who want to apply their knowledge of the Quasi-geostrophic Vorticity Equation to forecast situations. The interactivity helps users see how each variable interacts within the equation and shows data for different phase shifts of 500hPa and 1000hPa heights. Instructors can use this learning object with their own question sets as well to build more understanding and application into their dynamics/synoptic courses.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Tephigram Mastery

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Since the advent of rawinsonde observations, thermodynamic diagrams have been used by meteorologists to analyze sounding data in the course of preparing their weather forecasts. This module comprehensively examines the use of the tephigram, widely used for over 60 years by meteorologists in the United Kingdom, Canada, and other countries throughout the world particularly in Europe and Africa. It explores thermodynamic properties, convective parameters, stability assessment, and several forecast applications. The module is designed for both instruction and reference. It also comes with an interactive Web-based tephigram that calculates several common forecast parameters.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Topics in Dynamic Meteorology: Pressure Gradient Force

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This module is a learning object on a foundational aspect of dynamic meteorology, the pressure gradient force. As a learning object, it is meant to supplement other teaching material in a course by elucidating a specific concept. The horizontal pressure gradient force is presented through an interactive tool which allows a student to adjust pressures on an idealized surface map and examine the horizontal accelerations produced in response. Three short exercises are provided to reinforce the concepts.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Weather Decision Support for the National Airspace System

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This three-hour lesson describes the impacts of weather on aviation operations and highlights the role of the National Weather Service (NWS) in supporting the Federal Aviation Administration's air traffic management organization. The lesson contains an Introduction (40 min), several cases (10-20 min each) focused on various weather phenomena, and a detailed case (35 min) allowing forecasters to follow the planning for and evolution of an event. The content emphasizes best practices for aviation forecasters, including identifying and communicating the threat, understanding partners' needs, and anticipating the impacts to airspace operations.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Nowcasting for Aviation in Africa

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Nowcasting for Aviation in Africa summarizes techniques and best practices for developing area-specific forecasts at very short (0-6 hour) timescales. This 1-hour lesson presents a case study focused on interpreting threats and communicating correct warning information for a weather event affecting multiple airports in Gauteng Province, South Africa. In completing the lesson, the learner will assess the state of the atmosphere, develop a nowcast, monitor conditions, and update/create appropriate nowcast products for aviation stakeholders.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

WRF-EMS Aviation Products

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This lesson illustrates how numerical guidance from the Weather Research and Forecasting Model - Environmental Modeling System (WRF-EMS) can be added to surface observations, satellite graphics, and conceptual models of important aviation phenomena, to produce TAFs. Specifically, the lesson describes how visibility, cloud ceilings, and the flight categories variables provide values for aviation forecasts in Africa.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Writing TAFs for Ceilings and Visibility, Africa Edition

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Writing TAFs for Ceilings and Visibility, Africa Edition outlines the processes for developing an effective Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) that meets International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) guidelines. Geared specifically to forecasters in Africa, the lesson includes a case study for an event impacting Cape Town International Airport to provide practice applying the processes to real-life forecast situations.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Writing TAFs for Convective Weather, 2nd Edition

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"Writing TAFs for Convective Weather, 2nd Edition" uses a severe thunderstorm event to illustrate techniques for producing an effective Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) following current National Weather Service directives. The unit offers guidance for developing TAFs for different types of convection and discusses how to concisely communicate logic and uncertainty in an aviation forecast discussion (AvnFD) or by other means. It also addresses the importance of maintaining an effective TAF weather watch and updating the TAF proactively.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

ASMET 7: Convective Weather and Aviation in West and Central Africa

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The hazards associated with convective systems present some of the most dangerous conditions encountered by aircraft and pose many challenges to aviation operations. When convection is forecast to develop, aviation forecasters are required to issue a series of warning messages and other meteorological aeronautical products to various members of the aviation community. This lesson teaches these forecasters how to produce the products, doing so in the context of a case study in which learners assume the role of aeronautical forecaster on duty at the airport in Niamey, Niger on a night when convection develops. The lesson is one of three aviation weather case studies developed by the ASMET team to improve aviation forecasting in Africa.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

ASMET 7: Detecting Clear Air Turbulence: South African Case Study

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Turbulence is a major concern for the aviation industry. It often goes undetected in cloud-free areas, catching pilots off guard when they fly into it. Turbulence can injure passengers and crew, and cause structural damage to aircraft. This makes it critical for aviation weather forecasters to closely monitor the atmosphere for signs of turbulence and issue special warnings when it is likely to be present. This lesson helps prepare forecasters for these tasks by providing general information about turbulence and showing them how to detect it using satellite imagery, tephigrams, and NWP products. The latter is presented in the form of a case study in which learners assume the role of aviation forecaster at Cape Town International Airport (South Africa), and need to determine if turbulence is likely to be present along a particular flight path. The lesson is intended for aviation weather forecasters, general weather forecasters interested in aviation meteorology, and meteorological instructors and students. Note that the lesson is one of three aviation weather case studies developed by the ASMET team to improve aviation forecasting in Africa.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

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