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WMO Competencies > Satellite Skills and Knowledge for Operational Meteorologists
Satellite Skills and Knowledge for Operational Meteorologists |


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 ...
Available online: https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_module.php?id=1083
Published by: The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research ; 2014
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.
Disclaimer regarding 3rd party resources: WMO endeavours to ensure, but cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy, accessibility, integrity and timeliness of the information available on its website. WMO may make changes to the content of this website at any time without notice.
The responsibility for opinions expressed in articles, publications, studies and other contributions rests solely with their authors, and their posting on this website does not constitute an endorsement by WMO of the opinion expressed therein.
WMO shall not be liable for any damages incurred as a result of the use of its website. Please do not misuse our website.Language(s): English
Format: Digital (Standard Copyright)Tags: Tropical cyclone ; Weather forecasting ; Hurricane ; Typhoon ; Lesson/ Tutorial ; Satellite Skills and Knowledge for Operational Meteorologists
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EUMeTrain's Synoptic Textbook
This 190-page text, which is based on a series of university lectures, provides comprehensive information on synoptic meteorology. There's a general introduction to synoptics followed by chapters on tropospheric circulation, air masses, boundary layer and weather, wind fields, jet streams, vertical motions, high and low pressure, convective systems, numerical parameters in vertical cross sections, mid-latitude cyclones, the tropopause, and fronts. A number of the examples in the textbook are from Northern Europe. This resource is made available courtesy of EUMeTrain and is not produced, owned ...
Available online: https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_module.php?id=1110
Published by: The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research ; 2014
This 190-page text, which is based on a series of university lectures, provides comprehensive information on synoptic meteorology. There's a general introduction to synoptics followed by chapters on tropospheric circulation, air masses, boundary layer and weather, wind fields, jet streams, vertical motions, high and low pressure, convective systems, numerical parameters in vertical cross sections, mid-latitude cyclones, the tropopause, and fronts. A number of the examples in the textbook are from Northern Europe. This resource is made available courtesy of EUMeTrain and is not produced, owned or hosted by UCAR/COMET.
Disclaimer regarding 3rd party resources: WMO endeavours to ensure, but cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy, accessibility, integrity and timeliness of the information available on its website. WMO may make changes to the content of this website at any time without notice.
The responsibility for opinions expressed in articles, publications, studies and other contributions rests solely with their authors, and their posting on this website does not constitute an endorsement by WMO of the opinion expressed therein.
WMO shall not be liable for any damages incurred as a result of the use of its website. Please do not misuse our website.Language(s): English
Format: Digital (Standard Copyright)Tags: Weather forecasting ; Fluid dynamics ; Troposphere ; Lesson/ Tutorial ; Satellite Skills and Knowledge for Operational Meteorologists
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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 di ...
Available online: https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_module.php?id=1096
Published by: The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research ; 2014
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.
Disclaimer regarding 3rd party resources: WMO endeavours to ensure, but cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy, accessibility, integrity and timeliness of the information available on its website. WMO may make changes to the content of this website at any time without notice.
The responsibility for opinions expressed in articles, publications, studies and other contributions rests solely with their authors, and their posting on this website does not constitute an endorsement by WMO of the opinion expressed therein.
WMO shall not be liable for any damages incurred as a result of the use of its website. Please do not misuse our website.Language(s): English
Format: Digital (Standard Copyright)Tags: Weather forecasting ; Remote sensing ; Lesson/ Tutorial ; Satellite Skills and Knowledge for Operational Meteorologists
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VLab's Conceptual Models for Southern Hemisphere
Conceptual Models for Southern Hemisphere is a joint project between four southern hemispheric regions: Argentina, Australia, Brazil and South Africa. The purpose of the project is to improve warnings and awareness of weather risks through the better understanding of weather through conceptual models. The objectives of the project are to produce and make available resources about Conceptual Models. These resources are available for other training institutions within the regions as well. The number of southern hemispheric conceptual models in this catalogue will increase stepwise in the near fu ...
Available online: https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_module.php?id=1152
Published by: The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research ; 2014
Conceptual Models for Southern Hemisphere is a joint project between four southern hemispheric regions: Argentina, Australia, Brazil and South Africa. The purpose of the project is to improve warnings and awareness of weather risks through the better understanding of weather through conceptual models. The objectives of the project are to produce and make available resources about Conceptual Models. These resources are available for other training institutions within the regions as well. The number of southern hemispheric conceptual models in this catalogue will increase stepwise in the near future. Currently the catalogue includes eight Conceptual Model descriptions. All models contain six components: Appearance in Satellite Images, Meteorological-Physical Background, Key Parameters, Appearance in Vertical Cross Sections, Weather Events and References. This resource is made available courtesy of Virtual Laboratory for Training and Education in Satellite Meteorology (VLab) and is not produced, owned or hosted by UCAR/COMET.
Disclaimer regarding 3rd party resources: WMO endeavours to ensure, but cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy, accessibility, integrity and timeliness of the information available on its website. WMO may make changes to the content of this website at any time without notice.
The responsibility for opinions expressed in articles, publications, studies and other contributions rests solely with their authors, and their posting on this website does not constitute an endorsement by WMO of the opinion expressed therein.
WMO shall not be liable for any damages incurred as a result of the use of its website. Please do not misuse our website.Language(s): English
Format: Digital (Standard Copyright)Tags: Weather forecasting ; Lesson/ Tutorial ; Satellite Skills and Knowledge for Operational Meteorologists
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EUMeTrain's Manual of Synoptic Satellite Meteorology
The Manual of Synoptic Satellite Meteorology, or SatManu, provides detailed descriptions of approximately fifty atmospheric conceptual models at different scales from a satellite point of view. Each conceptual model has associated exercises and many have case studies that show how the models can be applied. Most of the case studies were developed for specific training courses in Europe. SatManu also has case studies of catastrophic weather events which are presented from the perspective of the conceptual models. In addition, an introductory chapter describes the different satellite channels. T ...
Available online: https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_module.php?id=1108
Published by: The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research ; 2014
The Manual of Synoptic Satellite Meteorology, or SatManu, provides detailed descriptions of approximately fifty atmospheric conceptual models at different scales from a satellite point of view. Each conceptual model has associated exercises and many have case studies that show how the models can be applied. Most of the case studies were developed for specific training courses in Europe. SatManu also has case studies of catastrophic weather events which are presented from the perspective of the conceptual models. In addition, an introductory chapter describes the different satellite channels. This resource is made available courtesy of EUMeTrain and is not produced, owned or hosted by UCAR/COMET.
Disclaimer regarding 3rd party resources: WMO endeavours to ensure, but cannot and does not guarantee the accuracy, accessibility, integrity and timeliness of the information available on its website. WMO may make changes to the content of this website at any time without notice.
The responsibility for opinions expressed in articles, publications, studies and other contributions rests solely with their authors, and their posting on this website does not constitute an endorsement by WMO of the opinion expressed therein.
WMO shall not be liable for any damages incurred as a result of the use of its website. Please do not misuse our website.Language(s): English
Format: Digital (Standard Copyright)Tags: Satellite ; Weather forecasting ; Lesson/ Tutorial ; Satellite Skills and Knowledge for Operational Meteorologists
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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 t ...Permalink![]()
Introduction to Tropical Meteorology, 2nd Edition: Chapter 7: Synoptic and Mesoscale Systems
In this chapter, we examine the wide-variety of synoptic and mesoscale weather systems that affect the tropics, including, tropical easterly waves, upper tropospheric troughs, monsoon depressions, subtropical cyclones, westerly wind bursts, and cold fronts. Extratropical interactions, such as those caused by Rossby wave trains and the MJO, are examined. The chapter presents a review of thunderstorms and lightning. The structure, formation mechanisms, and impacts of mesoscale convective systems are examined. The distribution of lightning globally and within mesoscale systems is examined. Mesosc ...Permalink![]()
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 ...Permalink![]()
ASMET 7: Convective Weather and Aviation in West and Central Africa
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 conve ...Permalink![]()
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 ...Permalink![]()
ASMET 7: Detecting Clear Air Turbulence Over Southern Africa
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 product ...Permalink![]()
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 common ...Permalink![]()
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.Permalink![]()
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 aviati ...Permalink![]()
Introduction to VIIRS Imaging and Applications
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, contra ...Permalink