Global Campus
The WMO Global Campus E-Library
The WMO Global Campus initiative is proud to offer this WMOLearn Library of resources. This library provides a searchable collection of educational resources, including WMO publications and education and training materials from various contributing organisations and individuals. Search by WMO competency framework, Main Topics, Region and Country, and/or Nature of Information to find materials useful for training or self-directed learning.
WMO Global Campus resources provided on this Site are provided “as is”, without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including, without limitation, warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose and non-infringement. The WMO specifically does not make any warranties or representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any such resources.
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Meteorological Instrument Performance Characteristics
This advanced lesson explores the performance characteristics of instrumentation used for meteorological measurements. Static performance characteristics are examined in the context of calibration, which offers a means to determine an instrument's response. Dynamic performance characteristics, including first and second order inputs, are discussed using three classic examples: step or impulse, ramp or time varying, and oscillatory inputs. The lesson provides information about the effects of representativeness and regional homogeneity on measurements, and also describes processes for obtaining ...
Available online: https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_module.php?id=1349
Published by: The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research ; 2017
This advanced lesson explores the performance characteristics of instrumentation used for meteorological measurements. Static performance characteristics are examined in the context of calibration, which offers a means to determine an instrument's response. Dynamic performance characteristics, including first and second order inputs, are discussed using three classic examples: step or impulse, ramp or time varying, and oscillatory inputs. The lesson provides information about the effects of representativeness and regional homogeneity on measurements, and also describes processes for obtaining quantitative estimates of uncertainty.
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: Meteorology ; Atmosphere ; Lesson/ Tutorial
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Antarctica: Challenging Forecasts for a Challenging Environment
Antarctica: Challenging Forecasts for a Challenging Environment features two educational pieces. The first is the overview giving the general audience a broad look at Antarctica including some history, interesting facts, real-life experiences, climate, and the challenges inherent to this frozen continent. The second is the main presentation where experts in Antarctic research and forecasting, share their knowledge of the continent. They discuss forecasting challenges as well as present and future research topics while providing elaborations on the uniqueness in Antarctica’s location, topograph ...
Available online: https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_module.php?id=271
Published by: The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research ; 2007
Antarctica: Challenging Forecasts for a Challenging Environment features two educational pieces. The first is the overview giving the general audience a broad look at Antarctica including some history, interesting facts, real-life experiences, climate, and the challenges inherent to this frozen continent. The second is the main presentation where experts in Antarctic research and forecasting, share their knowledge of the continent. They discuss forecasting challenges as well as present and future research topics while providing elaborations on the uniqueness in Antarctica’s location, topography, and forecasting techniques as compared to other parts of the globe.
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: Climate change ; Atmospheric circulation ; Lesson/ Tutorial ; Antarctica
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Advances in Space-Based Nighttime Visible Observation, 2nd Edition
This updated one-hour lesson explores the types of atmospheric and surface features that can be observed at night. It describes recent technical improvements in nighttime visible imaging with the VIIRS Day/Night Band on board the Suomi NPP and JPSS satellites, and the lunar phases and other conditions necessary for effective nighttime visible imaging. This lays the foundation for the rest of the lesson, which explores operational uses of nighttime visible observations. These include the detection and monitoring of city lights, tropical cyclones, fog and stratus, polar nights, auroras, fires an ...
Available online: https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_module.php?id=1327
Published by: The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research ; 2017
This updated one-hour lesson explores the types of atmospheric and surface features that can be observed at night. It describes recent technical improvements in nighttime visible imaging with the VIIRS Day/Night Band on board the Suomi NPP and JPSS satellites, and the lunar phases and other conditions necessary for effective nighttime visible imaging. This lays the foundation for the rest of the lesson, which explores operational uses of nighttime visible observations. These include the detection and monitoring of city lights, tropical cyclones, fog and stratus, polar nights, auroras, fires and smoke, volcanic eruptions, dust storms, air pollution, moon glint, lightning, gas flares, ships and boats, and population/economic geography. The lesson is intended for weather forecasters and other environmental scientists who use nighttime environmental data. Other users, such as those in the transportation industry and economists, may benefit from it 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: Air pollution ; Weather forecasting ; Aurora ; Fog ; Lesson/ Tutorial ; Arctic ; Satellite Skills and Knowledge for Operational Meteorologists
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Wave Life Cycle II: Propagation & Dispersion
The goal of the lesson is to enable a marine forecaster to manually predict how the wave height and period will change as the waves leave their generation area, become swell, and then propagate and disperse into the forecaster’s offshore coastal waters. While numerical wave prediction models can provide swell height and period forecasts, they are dependent on accurate wind forecasts by atmospheric prediction models. Therefore, manual skills in determining swell height and period are needed in order to cross-check or correct model predictions in cases of poor or unresolved model forecasts of wi ...
Available online: https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_module.php?id=188
Published by: The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research ; 2006
The goal of the lesson is to enable a marine forecaster to manually predict how the wave height and period will change as the waves leave their generation area, become swell, and then propagate and disperse into the forecaster’s offshore coastal waters. While numerical wave prediction models can provide swell height and period forecasts, they are dependent on accurate wind forecasts by atmospheric prediction models. Therefore, manual skills in determining swell height and period are needed in order to cross-check or correct model predictions in cases of poor or unresolved model forecasts of winds. The lesson starts by discussing how swell propagate along great circle tracks and how these tracks will look different on various map projections. With this in mind the concept of developing a known “swell window” for a given location is introduced. Next, the lesson uses conceptual animations to demonstrate the effects of dispersion on the swell group as it propagates over a long distance. Also discussed are nonlinear processes, wave steepness, travel time, event duration, and opposing winds. Then the lesson explains how swell height changes due to angular spreading of wave energy and provides a simplified method to calculate this change. Finally, users are able to test their new understanding of these concepts through a short exercise where they are asked to determine swell height and period at multiple locations. User interactions are included throughout the lesson and within the short exercise. This is the third in a series of training lessons on marine wind and waves. It follows the “Wave Types and Characteristics” and “Wave Generation” lessons.
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: Marine meteorology ; Lesson/ Tutorial ; Marine Weather Forecasters
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Customer Impacts: Forecasting Fog and Low Stratus
This module addresses issues surrounding the direct and indirect impacts of restricted ceilings and visibilities on aviation operations and also briefly examines their impacts on ground and marine transportation. The goal is improve forecaster awareness of how their forecasts of these events affect commercial and general aviation operation. This module is part of the Distance Learning Course 1: Forecasting Fog and Low Stratus.
Available online: https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_module.php?id=116
Published by: The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research ; 2003
This module addresses issues surrounding the direct and indirect impacts of restricted ceilings and visibilities on aviation operations and also briefly examines their impacts on ground and marine transportation. The goal is improve forecaster awareness of how their forecasts of these events affect commercial and general aviation operation. This module is part of the Distance Learning Course 1: Forecasting Fog and Low Stratus.
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: Fog ; Lesson/ Tutorial
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NOAA’s VDatum: Transforming Heights between Vertical Datums
Produced in collaboration between NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey (NGS) and The COMET Program, this video explains NOAA’s VDatum tool and its role in facilitating height transformations between vertical datums including tidal, orthometric, and ellipsoidal datums. It also provides an overview of different types of vertical datums and how they may be used for different applications with a focus on coastal areas and navigation services. Leaders from NOAA as well as other government agencies such as the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the U.S. Arm ...
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Urban Flooding: It Can Happen in a Flash!
This module features an audio and visual tour of sites affected by the Fort Collins, Colorado urban flood that occurred on 28 July 1997. The tour is led by Matthew Kelsch and includes eyewitness accounts of that night's events from John Weaver. This interactive virtual field trip module summarizes many of the important common aspects of flash floods occurring in urban environments.
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Statistical Methods in the NWS National Blend of Global Models
This lesson introduces users to the statistics used in generating the various weather element forecasts included in Version 1.0 of the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) National Blend of global Models (NBM). This Level 3 lesson is intended for forecasters and users of NWS forecast products; some prior knowledge of numerical weather prediction and statistics is useful. Learners will be introduced to the analysis of record used to calibrate the NBM’s bias and error estimates. Learners will also explore the downscaling, bias correction, and weighting procedures applied to the model products, an ...
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Thermally-forced Circulation II: Mountain/Valley Breezes
This is a foundation module in the Mesoscale Meteorology Primer series. Topics covered include up- and downslope breezes, up- and down-valley winds, associated hazards, and forecasting techniques. Like other modules in the Mesoscale Meteorology Primer, this module comes with audio narration, rich graphics, and a companion print version.
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Flash Flood Processes: International Edition
Flash floods can occur in nearly any area of the world. A rainfall-induced flash flood is a truly hydrometeorological event: one that depends on both hydrologic and meteorological conditions. Forecasting flash floods involves a detailed understanding of the local hydrologic features and continual monitoring of the current meteorological situation. This module examines both the hydrologic and meteorological processes that often contribute to the development of flash flooding. Common tools and technologies that are used in flash flood monitoring and forecasting, from manual gauging systems to co ...
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COMET Translation Resource Center
English Description The COMET Translation Resource Center supports the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) community's efforts to expand the availability of training materials through translation. Here you'll find resources to guide and support your translation efforts and a forum to exchange ideas and resources. The site hosts the Guide to Translation Project Management which was developed as a collaborative WMO Global Campus project by The COMET Program and the Meteorological Service of Canada with funding by NOAA’s National Weather Service International Activities Office. The guide is a ...
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Introduction to EPS Theory
This lesson introduces the concepts needed to understand and use ensemble prediction system (EPS) products. It describes basic statistical quantities and methods used to develop EPS products, such as probability distribution functions (PDFs) and cumulative distribution functions (CDFs). From there, it discusses ways of using EPS products compared to deterministic products. The final section briefly introduces nine common EPS products. The lesson is a prerequisite for the EPS Products Reference Guide.
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NWP Essentials: Model Physics
This lesson describes model parameterizations of surface, PBL, and free atmospheric processes. It specifically addresses how models treat these processes, how such processes can potentially interact with each other, and how they can influence forecasts of sensible weather elements. Topics covered include: soil moisture processes, radiative processes involving clouds, and turbulent processes in the PBL and free atmosphere.
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Predicting Convective Cessation for Aviation Forecasters
This module introduces aviation forecasters to a conceptual framework for analyzing, diagnosing and predicting convective cessation and resulting conditions near airports. Users will first learn about five main environments with respect to convection, and three patterns in which these environments are commonly arranged. Next, users are immersed into an adjustable-time case simulator to practice applying the convective environment frameworks to their forecast process, while periodically amending TAFs and responding to warning, storm report and caller interruptions. Finally, a case summary ties ...
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Jet Streams
This module describes the general characteristics of upper-level jet streams (Polar Jet, Subtropical Jet, and Tropical Easterly Jet) and two major tropical low-level wind maxima (Somali Jet, African Easterly Jet). Included are discussions of their formation, maintenance, influence on synoptic weather, and role in the general circulation.
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An Introduction to Geodetic Datums
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 as ...
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Ship-based Sea and Lake Ice Observing
Ships operating in areas with ice are expected to report conditions as part of standard weather reporting procedures. This lesson is aimed at those tasked with this responsibility, be they official or informal observers. The lesson begins with background information on ice, addressing such topics as where it is found, how it develops, and how to observe and report it. This sets the stage for the lesson’s scenarios, which simulate the experience of being an ice observer in four situations: on the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy operating in the Arctic Ocean, on a container ship transiting the Nor ...
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Introduction to Tropical Meteorology, 2nd Edition, Chapter 2: Tropical Remote Sensing Applications
This chapter covers remote sensing, the primary method of observing weather and climate across the global tropics. Learners will become familiar with the scientific basis and applications of radar and satellite remote sensing from examples in which clouds and precipitation are observed by measuring microwave signals using ground-based radar, spaceborne radar, and satellite radiometers. Wind estimation, dust and volcanic ash tracking, vertical sounding techniques, and remote measurement of sea-surface, soil and land surface properties are also covered.
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Avalanche Weather Forecasting
Avalanches form through the interaction of snowpack, terrain, and weather, the latter being the focus of this module. The module begins with basic information about avalanches, highlighting weather's role in their development. The rest of the module teaches weather forecasters how to make an avalanche weather forecast, that is, one in which key weather parameters are evaluated for their impact on avalanche potential. The forecasts are used primarily by avalanche forecasters, who integrate them with other information to determine when to issue avalanche hazard warnings. The module contains five ...
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S-290 Unit 7: Wind Systems
S-290 Unit 7: Wind Systems outlines general and local winds and their processes. Detailed information is provided about critical fire weather winds, including frontal winds, foehn winds, and thunderstorm winds and the effects of these winds on wildland fires. The module also describes topographic influences on winds, and provides guidelines for estimating winds based on location and fuel sheltering. The module is part of the Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior Course.
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Distributed Hydrologic Models for Flow Forecasts - Part 1
Distributed Hydrologic Models for Flow Forecasts – Part 1 provides a basic description of distributed hydrologic models and how they work. This module is the first in a two-part series focused on the science of distributed models and their applicability in different situations. Presented by Dr. Dennis Johnson, the module begins with a review of hydrologic models, and then examines the differences between lumped and distributed models. It explains how lumped models may be distributed by subdividing the basin and suggests when distributed hydrologic models are most appropriate. Other topics cove ...
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Climate Change and Extreme Weather
This module discusses how a changing climate can also lead to changes in extreme weather events on the local scale. The role of natural variability is also explained. The module describes how climate change can have both positive and negative effects, depending on the situation, location, and the vulnerability of the population. While research on climate change and extreme events is still relatively new, the module discusses what changes scientists think are likely if greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise.
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Fire Weather Grid Techniques: Relative Humidity and Dewpoint Temperature
Fire Weather Grid Techniques: Relative Humidity and Dewpoint describes techniques and best practices for creating scientifically consistent grids of fire weather parameters. A case study is used to apply Smart Tools to model guidance to edit relative humidity and dew point temperature grids, and to demonstrate the advantages of editing dew point temperature rather than relative humidity to best represent the moisture in the atmosphere.
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Suomi NPP: A New Generation of Environmental Monitoring Satellites
The Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership or Suomi NPP satellite, launched in 2011, is the first of a new series of missions under NOAA's JPSS program. Suomi NPP has two major goals: global observing of the Earth's atmosphere, land, and ocean surface; and climate monitoring. Suomi NPP observations are used to create operational forecast products and provide input to numerical weather prediction models. They also provide continuity to the satellite climate record and other environmental datasets. This module provides an overview of the Suomi NPP satellite. The first half describes its missi ...
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Wave Ensembles in the Marine Forecast Process
The NCEP Marine Modeling and Analysis Branch (MMAB) Ensemble Global Ocean Wave Forecast System (EGOWaFS) provides five-day forecasts of global winds, wind wave and swell conditions in probabilistic terms. This product became available early in 2007 both through an NCEP non-operational web page and, for raw data, through FTP for use by marine forecasters at NWS WFOs and other locations. The data from the EGOWaFS can be used in a number of ways, including:* As input to probabilistic marine forecasts for wind waves and swell* As input to a local wave ensemble, such as Simulated Waves Nearshore (S ...
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ENSO and Beyond
This Webcast, presented by Dr. Marty Hoerling of NOAA/CIRES/Climate Diagnostic Center, discusses the impacts of El Niño and La Niña variability on both North American and tropical weather. The presentation shows that these two phenomena are not simple inverses of each other and that anticipating their varying intensities is key to making successful climate forecasts. Two other ocean impacts that affect North American climate almost as strongly as ENSO are also introduced.
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Dams and Dam Failure - Module 1: Terminology and Open Channel Hydraulics
This is the first module of a two-part series offering an introduction to the science explaining catastrophic dam failure and flood-wave prediction methods associated with these events. Through use of rich illustrations, animations, and interactions, this module explains key terminology and concepts including dam types and purposes, failure statistics, the general dam failure process, open channel hydraulics, critical flow, Manning's equation, and conveyance. The information covered in this two module series will provide a scientific foundation for advanced course work needed to run dam break ...
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WMO Regional Satellite Workshop
The "Regional Training Course on the Use of Environmental Satellite Data in Meteorological Applications for RAIII and IV," which took place in Córdoba, Argentina between September 22 and October 3, 2008, was sponsored by WMO and NOAA NWS, and organized with the assistance of CONAE, CIRA, UBA, INPE, Eumetsat and The COMET Program. The goal of the training course was to increase the skills of Latin American meteorologists for providing better services through the use of environmental satellites. This Webcast collection offers the following seven lectures presented at the workshop, five in Spanis ...
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SatFC-G: IR Bands, Excluding Water Vapor
This lesson introduces seven of the ten infrared imager bands on the GOES R-U ABI (Advanced Baseline Imager). It examines the spectral characteristics of each band to facilitate a better understanding of band selection and what each band observes, and to shed light on some of the many potential applications. This lesson is a part of the NWS Satellite Foundation GOES-R Course.
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Flood Forecasting Case Study: International Edition
This module allows users to explore the flood forecasting process by assuming the role of a visiting hydrologist intern at the National Hydrologic Service in Main Country. Fictional senior hydrologists guide the intern through an idealized flooding event that takes place over Main Country's Mainstem river basin and its tributary basins, each with varying landscapes and observation systems. Users will examine how these variations impact the quality and type of forecast that can be achieved. Users will also learn about common problems encountered in flood forecasting, and how to adjust forecasts ...
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Interpreting and Communicating EPS Guidance: British Columbia Winter Storm
This 45-minute lesson provides an opportunity to use ensemble prediction system products to evaluate uncertainty in the forecast and then communicate that information effectively to a public audience. The lesson places learners in the role of a Meteorological Service of Canada forecaster who must assess forecast uncertainty and then issue early warning notifications to decision-makers regarding the winter storm. In a subsequent work shift during the event, the learner must effectively deliver forecast information via social media and respond to questions from the general public. The lesson is ...
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Physics of the Aurora: Earth Systems
This interactive learning module introduces the systems and processes through which the Earth's magnetic field and upper atmosphere are influenced by the sun, eventually leading to the magnificent auroral displays. Developed especially for university professors and students in the fields of physics and astronomy, this module includes sections on the history, lore, and science of the aurora, the magnetosphere, the thermosphere-ionosphere, basic electromagnetism, and upper-atmospheric physics.
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Forecasting Aviation Convective Impacts with INSITE
The National Weather Service (NWS) has developed the INSITE tool (INtegrated Support for Impacted air-Traffic Environments) to improve NWS convective impact forecasts by providing functionality that enables forecasters to include more precise impact areas in aviation convective weather forecast products. The tool lets forecasters identify potential constraints to the National Airspace System by combining forecast weather and air-traffic data. Improved convective weather forecast products can reduce delays in air-traffic and increase efficiency in the National Airspace System (NAS). In this 45- ...
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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.
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Barrier Jet Forecasting: Eastern Foothills and High Plains of Colorado, 17-20 March 2003
This case exercise looks at a barrier jet event over central and eastern Colorado that took on historic significance in terms of snow amounts and variability in snow distribution. The module emphasizes the mechanisms for producing both very large accumulations and extreme small-scale variability. These mechanisms involved both dynamic and thermodynamic processes in this storm. Model and observed analyses and forecasts are considered in detail as the storm unfolds.
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NWP Essentials: Precipitation and Clouds
Both the processes of convection and of rainfall formation are typically subgrid scale, and require parameterisation. This lesson examines two types of precipitation parameterisation used by models: Convective parameterisation Microphysics The lesson also discusses how to identify when these parameterisations are not performing well and steps to address the issues that arise.
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GOES-R Series Faculty Virtual Course: RapidScan Imaging
In this webinar recording, Dr. Dan Lindsey presents GOES-16/GOES-R 30-second and 1-minute rapid scan imagery to demonstrate unprecedented views of convection, wildfire, storm intensification, and other quickly-evolving features. GOES-16 rapid scan also enables cloud and feature tracking in and around tropical cyclones. The webinar includes examples of how rapid scan sectors may be prioritized and selected by the National Weather Service. Instructions about how to obtain and use archived data are also provided. This is a recorded webinar presented by an instructor at his home institution. Audio ...
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Effective Use of NWP in the Forecast Process: Introduction
This lesson, part of the "NWP Training Series: Effective Use of NWP in the Forecast Process", introduces the student to the full series. Motivation for the series is presented by Mr. LeRoy Spayd, Chief of the National Weather Service Training Division; this includes a demonstration of the value added by human forecasters to NWP forecasts through recent precipitation verification. Contributors to the series are acknowledged as well. Then Dr. Bill Bua, a member of the NWP Training Team, expands on points raised by Mr. Spayd by posing and answering a question on the role of NWP in the forecast pr ...
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Sea Level Change: Datums and Terminology
This lesson addresses how sea level is determined and applied. It starts with a general discussion of the surfaces that form the basis of measurement, called datums, then looks more closely at the vertical datums that form the basis of height measurements. We cover tidal datums in more depth, including the different datums, their extent, period of record (called a tidal epoch), and common applications. We conclude with a look at some data resources for tidal datums and sea level trends.
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The Science of Radio Occultation and the COSMIC Mission
The lesson provides an overview of radio occultation and its contributions to our understanding of Earth's atmosphere as demonstrated by the COSMIC mission launched in 2006. The lesson is divided into three chapters: Chapter 1 describes the science of radio occultation and how atmospheric profiles are obtained. Chapter 2 focuses on the benefits of radio occultation and COSMIC observations for numerous applications related to meteorology, climate, and space weather. Chapter 3 describes the COSMIC-2/FORMOSAT-7 mission and its expected improvements to further inform meteorology, climate, and iono ...
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WPC Rainfall Guidance for Tropical Cyclones
This lesson introduces learners to the challenges in predicting precipitation associated with tropical cyclones (TCs). It also provides an overview of the deterministic and probabilistic rainfall guidance products issued by the Weather Prediction Center (WPC) to forecast TC-related precipitation. Learners work through a TC case to practice interpreting the guidance correctly and communicating the precipitation threat. The lesson also highlights the different interpretations of probabilistic products from the WPC and National Hurricane Center, and the need for collaboration between national cen ...
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Flood Frequency Analysis
The Flood Frequency Analysis module offers an introduction to the use of flood frequency analysis for flood prediction and planning. Through use of rich illustrations, animations, and interactions, this module explains the basic concepts, underlying issues, and methods for analyzing flood data. Common concepts such as the 100-year flood and return periods as well as issues affecting the statistical representation of floods are discussed. Common flood data analysis methods as well as an overview of design events are also covered. As a foundation topic for the Basic Hydrologic Science course, th ...
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Communicating Forecast Uncertainty, European Case
This lesson is a follow-on to COMET’s Communicating Forecast Uncertainty lesson, which introduces research findings on the effective communication of uncertainty information and enables learners to apply them to a North American case. This lesson focuses on a European winter weather case and provides an additional opportunity to evaluate end-user needs and formulate effective responses to their questions based on the research findings. Learners are strongly encouraged to take Communicating Forecast Uncertainty before starting this lesson. The lesson is aimed at experienced forecasters with kno ...
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Frontogenetical Circulations and Stability
“Frontogenetical Circulations and Stability” is a Webcast by Dr. James T. Moore that focuses on an overview of different stability types, including convective, potential, inertial, conditional and symmetric, the concept of frontogenesis and associated circulations. The webcast concludes with a discussion of the role of stability in determining the character of frontogenetical circulations.
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Flash Flood Early Warning System Reference Guide
The Flash Flood Warning System Reference Guide is intended to promote the implementation of flash flood early warning systems based upon proven and effective methods already in use in flash-flood prone nations around the world. Both governmental and non-governmental decision makers can use it to better understand flash floods and the elements that constitute a robust, end-to-end flash flood early warning system. The guide includes chapters on Flash Flood Science, Flash Flood Forecasting Methods, Monitoring Networks, Technology Infrastructure, Warning Dissemination and Notification, and Communi ...
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Basic Terminal Forecast Strategies
"Basic Terminal Forecast Strategies" is the first component of the Distance Learning Course 2, Producing Customer-Focused TAFs. Basic Terminal Forecast Strategies is comprised of two lessons that provide 1) an introduction to understanding aviation customers and their needs and 2) a technique to meet those needs by producing clear, concise, and consistent terminal aerodrome forecasts (TAFs).
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Reservoir Pool Elevation: Considerations for Long-term Asset Management and Planning
Long-term management of critical water resources infrastructure needs to incorporate projected changes to environmental conditions. Reservoirs form the heart of water resource assets. Long-range plans for the repair, replacement, maintenance and renovation of these facilities depend on accurate projections of reservoir pool elevations. Environmental conditions, in turn, dictate the magnitude and timing of inflows and outflows from reservoirs, and thus the resulting water surface elevation. This lesson explores the factors that affect reservoir pool elevation and the considerations and challeng ...
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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 ...
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North Wall Effects on Winds and Waves
North Wall events refer to high wind and wave events that occur along the north edge of warm, fast, western boundary currents. These events occur along the Gulf Stream off the mid-Atlantic states of the U.S. and along the Kuroshio Current near Japan and Taiwan. This module explores the relationships between atmospheric stability, winds, waves, and ocean currents during North Wall events. Using three different case studies, we examine the relevant aspects of several topics, including the synoptic setting, ocean currents, evolution of the marine boundary layer, growth of ocean waves, and potenti ...
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Introduction to Tropical Meteorology, 2nd Edition, Chapter 9: Observations, Analysis, and Prediction
The chapter describes the challenges of tropical weather forecasting. We examine types of observations and weather analysis techniques used by tropical forecasters. Those analysis tools are applied to examples of tropical synoptic weather systems as well as mesoscale analysis and nowcasting. The last three sections focus on numerical weather prediction (NWP) including: the fundamentals, data assimilation, comparisons of statistical and dynamical models, ensemble techniques, cumulus convection in NWP, tropical cyclone prediction, and methods of forecast verification and validation. We have spec ...
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