ASMET 7: Forecasting Fog for Aviation: Kenya Case Study

This lesson aims to improve aviation forecasts of fog in the African airspace by teaching forecasters to make more accurate forecasts using satellite imagery, numerical weather prediction, and other available data. A process for diagnosing and forecasting fog is presented and applied to a case over the Nairobi, Kenya region. Learners assume the role of aviation forecaster, analysing various products to determine whether the current Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF) is valid or needs to be amended. The lesson is intended for aviation forecasters, general weather forecasters interested in aviation meteorology, and meteorological forecasting instructors and students. This lesson is one of three aviation weather case studies developed by the ASMET project to improve aviation forecasting in Africa. They also support COMET's Review of Aeronautical Meteorology – Africa online learning curriculum, which provides training that supports the WMO/ICAO competencies for Aeronautical Meteorological Forecasters.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Climate Variability and Change Lectures, July 2013

This lesson presents 13 recorded presentations from the 29 July–2 August, 2013 offering of the Climate Variability and Change Virtual Course (CVCVC). This five-day live facilitated online course provided an extensive background on a range of climate variability and change topics with an emphasis on developing communication skills for challenging climate topics. The topics covered in this course, while aimed primarily at NOAA operational climate services delivery staff will also be helpful for others who already possess a basic level of understanding of climate science. Presentations include: Weather vs. Climate — Derek Arndt, National Climatic Data Center, NOAA Climate Variability — Matt Newman, NOAA Earth System Research Laboratory Climate Science Communication — Derek Arndt, National Climatic Data Center, NOAA The El Niño/ Southern Oscillation (ENSO) Cycle — Michelle L'Heureux, Climate Prediction Center, NOAA/National Weather Service NOAA's Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlooks — Gerry Bell, Climate Prediction Center, NOAA/National Weather Service The Madden-Julian Oscillation — Jon Gottschalk, Climate Prediction Center, NOAA/National Weather Service Drought: Science, Monitoring and Early Warning — Roger Pulwarty, National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), Earth System Research Laboratory/NOAA Climate Prediction Center Outlooks — Mike Halpert, Climate Prediction Center, NOAA/National Weather Service Climate.gov: Information, Products, and Tools — David Herring, Climate Program Office, NOAA/National Weather Service Climate Communication Skills for Decision-support Audiences — Susan Buhr, Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), University of Colorado Climate Change Science — Wayne Higgins, Climate Program Office, NOAA Climate Change Impacts — Peter Backlund, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research Managing Marine and Coastal Resources in a Changing Climate — Kenric Osgood, Marine Ecosystems Division, NOAA, NMFS Please Note: There are no quizzes available on MetEd for these materials. However, National Weather Service users may complete a quiz for each lecture and receive credit in the NWS Learning Center. The quizzes may be found in the NWS Learning Center by searching for "Climate Variability and Change Lecture". Alternatively, a learning plan containing quizzes for all 13 lectures is available on the NWS Learning Center's COMET Page.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Climatology for the Operational Forecaster

Climate information can be used as guidance for a range of weather-dependent operations. This module summarizes the Climate Analysis Process, a series of steps for determining which climatological products and data will be most useful for a specified application. The Climate Analysis Process is followed in the context of preparing a climatological brief for a ship deployment across multiple ocean basins. Though the focus is on Department of Defense data sources, including the Advanced Climate Analysis and Forecasting (ACAF) system, information on other sources is also provided. Products from the various sources are used to assemble a final climatological brief relevant to naval operations.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Fire Weather Patterns in Australia: Southeast Australia

The module illustrates the typical synoptic pattern influencing fire weather in southeast Australia. A case study provides insight into how experienced forecasters combine the four key ingredients—wind, temperature, dew point temperature, and fuel state—to produce a fire danger index value and resulting forecast policy map. Then, a case exercise allows the learner to practice using weather and fuel data to create a fire weather forecast policy map for southeastern Australia.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Weather Radar and Instrumentation: Laboratory Modules

These 16 radar education modules, developed for the Weather Radar and Instrumentation Curriculum at the University of Oklahoma, provide hands-on instruction for beginning, intermediate, or advanced students to learn about radar systems, especially weather radar. Topics include hardware, weather radar, adaptive systems, advanced hydrometeors, applications of weather radar, and atmospheric interpretations. The modules may be downloaded.

Material Type: Unit of Study

Advanced Satellite Sounding: The Benefits of Hyperspectral Observation - 2nd Edition

This lesson is an update to the 2008 expert lecture on hyperspectral observations presented by Dr. Mitch Goldberg, Program Scientist for NOAA's Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Program. The lesson discusses what hyperspectral observations are, how they are made, some current products, their contributions to improved monitoring of the atmosphere, oceans, and land surfaces, as well as their impact on numerical weather prediction. The lesson begins by discussing the importance of satellite observing systems. From there, it reviews the principles of remote sensing that are needed for deriving products from hyperspectral infrared observations. The third and largest section of the lesson examines results from and operational applications of the AIRS, IASI, and CrIS hyperspectral sounders. The final section discusses the importance of hyperspectral soundings from geostationary satellites. The lesson has been updated from the original presentation to include information about NASA and NOAA's new polar orbiting programs and CrIS, the Cross-track Infrared Sounder on the Suomi NPP polar orbiter.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Basics of Visible and Infrared Remote Sensing

This lesson presents the scientific and technical basis for using visible and infrared satellite imagery so forecasters can make optimal use of it for observing and forecasting the behaviour of the atmosphere. The concepts and capabilities presented are common to most international geostationary (GEO) and low-Earth orbiting (LEO) meteorological satellites since their inception, and continue to apply to both current and newer satellite constellations. The lesson reviews remote sensing and radiative transfer theory through a series of conceptual models. Discussions contain explanations of the different Meteosat First Generation imager channels and the phenomena that they can monitor individually and in combination. This lesson is an online version of the first ASMET (African Satellite Meteorology Education and Training) lesson published on CD-ROM in 1997. Conversion to HTML is courtesy of EUMETSAT. While the images have not been updated, the concepts are fundamental and remain relevant today. Most of the images are from Meteosat and depict weather conditions over Africa, although some GOES imagery is included as well.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

How Satellite Observations Impact NWP

Satellite observations have a huge impact on numerical weather prediction (NWP) model analyses and forecasts, with sounding data from polar orbiting and GPS-radio occultation satellites reducing model forecast error by almost half. All of this despite the fact that NWP models only assimilate 5% of all satellite observations! This lesson discusses the use of satellite observations in NWP and how model limitations prevent more of the data from being assimilated. The lesson begins by briefly describing the history of satellite observations in NWP and their impact on NWP model forecast skill. The next part provides background information about the types of environmental satellites that provide input to NWP, the satellite observations that are assimilated, the major components of NWP models, and how they forecast atmospheric behavior. This sets the stage for the main part of the lesson, which examines how observations from new satellite instruments are vetted for inclusion in data assimilation systems and how observations deemed acceptable are actually assimilated. The final part describes current challenges to making optimal use of satellite observations in NWP and advances that are expected to address these challenges and improve model forecasts.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

GOES-R ABI: Next Generation Satellite Imaging

This extension of the COMET module “GOES-R: Benefits of Next Generation Environmental Monitoring” focuses on the ABI instrument, the satellite's 16-channel imager. With increased spectral coverage, greater spatial resolution, more frequent imaging, and improved image pixel geolocation and radiometric performance, the ABI will bring significant advancements to forecasting, numerical weather prediction, and climate and environmental monitoring. The first part of the module introduces the ABI's key features and improvements over earlier GOES imagers. The second section lets users interactively explore the ABI's 16 channels. The third section contains movies that show the advancements that the ABI will bring to the following application areas: convection, flooding, wildfires, land cover, hurricanes, climate, air quality, aviation, fog and low visibility, and coastal and marine. The final section contains additional resources pertaining to the ABI. The module has numerous takeaways, including ten application movies and an interactive spectrum.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

GOES-R GLM: Introduction to the Geostationary Lightning Mapper

This extension of the COMET module “GOES-R: Benefits of Next Generation Environmental Monitoring” focuses on the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) instrument, the satellite's lightning mapper. The GLM will provide continuous lightning measurements over a large portion of the Western Hemisphere, mapping total lightning (intra-cloud and cloud–to–ground) flash rates and trends. GLM observations will improve local forecasts and warnings of severe weather and air quality, and provide new data for numerical weather prediction and studies of regional climate and climate change. The first part of the lesson describes the need for real-time lightning information and introduces the capabilities of the GLM, which will fly on the next-generation GOES-R satellites. The second section lets users explore the life cycle of a typical cloud-to-ground lightning flash, how it is observed by space and ground-based detection systems, and how lightning flashes translate into GLM observations. The final section explores some of the many applications that will benefit from GLM observations including convection and severe weather nowcasting, warning of lightning ground strike hazards, aviation, atmospheric chemistry, quantitative precipitation estimation, tropical cyclones, fire ignitions, numerical weather prediction, and climate and global studies.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Multispectral Satellite Applications: Monitoring the Wildland Fire Cycle, 2nd Edition

This lesson describes current and future satellites sensors and products used for monitoring the fire cycle, with an emphasis on polar-orbiting satellites. Product information is presented in the context of the fire lifecycle: from assessing the pre- and post-fire environment to detecting and monitoring active fires, smoke, and aerosols. Product information is also consolidated in the Fire Product Suite. The lesson concludes with an interactive fire case study, supplemented with observations from a National Weather Service trainer/forecaster who experienced the fire. The lesson is intended for the wide range of users involved with wildfire detection and monitoring, from land use managers and hydrologists to weather forecasters and researchers. Note that this lesson is an update to the original 2007 version and includes new information on the VIIRS and upcoming GOES-R sensors and their fire-related applications.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Multispectral Satellite Applications: RGB Products Explained

This lesson provides an overview of meteorological and environmental RGB products, namely, how they are constructed and how to use them. The first half provides background information on the RGB development process and the rapid evolution of RGB products as newer geostationary and polar-orbiting satellite imagers incorporate additional spectral channels. The second half of the lesson, the Applications section, focuses on the formulation and uses of RGB products; providing examples, interpretation exercises, satellite specific information, and other background information for many of the commonly used products. The lesson is intended for operational forecasters, meteorology and remote sensing students from the undergraduate level on up, scientists, and all others who rely on satellite products for environmental information.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Satellite Feature Identification: Conveyor Belts

Conveyor belts highlight important atmospheric processes that can be advantageous for making forecasts. They can be used for identifying general temperature patterns, defining the extent of cloud cover, predicting moisture return, evaluating stability, forecasting wind gusts, pinpointing cyclogenesis, and understanding the three-dimensional structure of the atmosphere. For short-term forecasts, they can even augment NWP showing the three-dimensional structure and portraying the same information as equivalent or wet-bulb potential temperature and potential vorticity surfaces. Conveyor belts make representing the total wind easier than using isobaric surfaces which only cut through the processes giving limited, two-dimensional views of the total wind. In this lesson, learn to identify conveyor belts using water vapour imagery. You'll be able to understand the structure of the conveyor belt's isentropic surfaces from the water vapour imagery and use that knowledge to enhance your forecasting. Further analysis will allow you to break your conveyor belts into branches for even more forecasting ability. It is highly encouraged that students review the "Deformation Zone Analysis" and "Inferring Three Dimensions from Water Vapour imagery" lessons before attempting this lesson.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Satellite Feature Identification: Inferring Three Dimensions from Water Vapour Imagery

We think in three-dimensional space and a fourth dimension, time. Therefore, we should think about the atmosphere in similar terms. However, we are often stuck with two-dimensional maps. Water vapor imagery can help us break out of that flatland and move to more dimensions. This imagery holds so much under-utilized potential. We can actually see three-dimensional structures evolving in near-real-time. And if we have a good handle on the current three-dimensional structure, we can then use NWP to its fullest as a verification/interrogation instrument for our 3D mental model. Come see the atmosphere in 3D using water vapor imagery!

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Introduction to Ensembles: Forecasting Hurricane Sandy

This module provides an introduction to ensemble forecast systems with an operational case study of Hurricane Sandy. The module concentrates on models from NCEP and FNMOC available to forecasters in the U.S. Navy, including NAEFS (North American Ensemble Forecast System), and NUOPC (National Unified Operational Prediction Capability). Probabilistic forecasts of winds and waves developed from these ensemble forecast systems are applied to a ship transit and coastal resource protection. Lessons integrated in the case study provide information on ensemble statistics, products, bias correction and verification. Additional lessons address multimodel ensembles, extreme events, and automated forecasting.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Forecasters' Overview of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea

This module provides an introduction to the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea for weather forecasters. It focuses on major aspects of the geography, oceanography, and climatology. Geography covers major political boundaries, cities, ports, topographical features, rivers, and volcanic areas. Oceanography includes major bathymetric features, mean sea surface temperature and surface salinity, ocean currents, and tidal ranges. Climatology covers the seasonal climatology of jet streams and synoptic weather systems, extratropical cyclones in the Gulf of Mexico, and monthly and seasonal statistics of tropical cyclone activity.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Tropical Cyclone Intensity Analysis

This lesson provides guidance for operational forecasters needing to combine different intensity methods to determine the intensity of a tropical cyclone. Each of the intensity methods is summarized, focusing on both strengths and weaknesses. These methods include the Dvorak technique, surface observations, scatterometry, the Advanced Dvorak Technique (ADT), microwave sounders (AMSU), SATCON, and subjective interpretation of passive microwave patterns. Consideration of the previous intensity estimate and forecast is also examined. Three case studies task the learner with combining the various methods to derive appropriate intensity estimates and a final quiz tests learner knowledge to demonstrate successful completion of the lesson.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Tropical-Extratropical Air Mass Interactions in South America

Case studies of tropical-extratropical air mass interactions over South America are presented in this module. Synoptic features associated with cold air intrusion into tropical latitudes and the incursion of humid, tropical air masses into midlatitudes are identified. Conceptual models illustrate the synoptic environments and the role of the Andes in the meridional movement of air masses. Forecast challenges are presented for different periods of each case. Finally, the weather impacts associated with these contrasting air-mass incursions are explored.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Tropical Fog: A Look at Fog That Impacts Aviation in Guyana

This module applies concepts covered in the module, Fog: Its Processes and Impacts to Aviation. It examines the fog processes at a tropical location: Guyana. A basic overview of the main fog types is provided, and then a detailed analysis is done for a representative fog event at the Cheddi Jagan International Airport in Guyana. Conclusions are made about fog processes in Guyana which can then be applied to forecasting for aviation impacts.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET

Tropical Mesoscale Convective Systems

Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCSs) occur globally and can account for significant percentages of the annual precipitation in some locations. MCSs are responsible for flooding as well as damaging surface winds in some instances. Thus, it is important for forecasters to understand when, where, and how MCSs develop and maintain themselves. This module covers all modes of MCSs with a strong focus on the tropics and the different aspects that brings to MCS development, maintenance, and structure. It describes conceptual models of MCSs and the dynamical and physical processes that influence their evolution. Also included are examples of MCSs from various areas of the tropics.

Material Type: Module

Author: COMET