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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.
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Gridded Products in the NWS National Blend of Global Models
This lesson introduces users to the five different guidance products that will be included in Version 1.0 of the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS) National Blend of global Models (NBM). The primary audience for this lesson includes forecasters and users of NWS forecast products; some prior knowledge of numerical weather prediction is useful. Learners will explore how model guidance from the Global Forecast System, Global Ensemble Forecast System, Canadian Meteorological Centre Ensemble, Ensemble Kernel Density Model Output Statistics (MOS) and gridded GFS MOS is produced. The strengths and l ...
Definition of the Mesoscale
By the end of this module you will be able to answer... What is the mesoscale and how do we classify it? What is hydrostatic equilibrium? Why are non-hydrostatic processes so important to mesoscale meteorology? Why does forecasting mesoscale meteorology rely on model resolution? How might mesoscale processes impact fleet operations?
Arctic Meteorology and Oceanography
Diminishing sea ice has opened the Arctic to navigation and operations like never before. Forecasters are increasingly predicting weather in support of those operations. This module is intended to provide forecasters with a brief introduction to the Arctic, including its geography, climatology, and the forecast problems they are likely to encounter. The module follows a U.S. Coast Guard Cutter on a voyage from Dutch Harbor, in the Aleutian Islands, to Barrow, on the north coast of Alaska. Various topics are addressed along the way in a series of short, stand-alone lessons.
Fire Model Matrix
The Fire Model Matrix is an on-line resource that presents four fire community models in a matrix that facilitates the exploration of the characteristics of each model. As part of the Advanced Fire Weather Forecasters Course, this matrix is meant to sensitize forecasters to the use of weather data in these fire models to forecast potential fire activity.
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 ...
Vorticity Maxima and Comma Patterns
Vorticity maxima signatures are very common and indicate areas of ascending circulation and atmospheric forcing. The correct placement of vorticity maxima is vital to the placement of related dynamic features such as the axis of maximum winds and deformation zones. This module is part of the series “Dynamic Feature Identification: The Satellite Palette”.
Quasi Geostrophic Vorticity Equation
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.
Intelligent Use of Model-Derived Products - version 2
This module, part of the "NWP Training Series: Effective Use of NWP in the Forecast Process", discusses three aspects of forecast guidance developed from raw NWP model data: Post-processing Statistical guidance Model assessment tools Post-processing methods, including a new section of downscaling of coarser resolution data, bias correction, and post-processing of ensemble forecast system data, are introduced. Interpolation of raw model data to produce the data seen by operational meteorologists is also described. Next, we present information on statistical guidance methods and techniques, incl ...
Introduction to Ocean Tides
Ocean tides profoundly impact coastal maritime operations. This module provides an introduction to the origin, characteristics, and prediction of tides. After introducing common terminology, the module examines the mechanisms that cause and modify tides, including both astronomical and meteorological effects. A discussion of tide prediction techniques and products concludes the module. This module includes rich graphics, audio narration, embedded interactions, and a companion print version.
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 ...
Advances in Microwave Remote Sensing: Ocean Wind Speed and Direction
This Webcast covers the ocean surface wind retrieval process, the basics of microwave polarization as it relates to wind retrievals, and several operational examples. Information on the development of microwave sensors used to retrieve ocean surface wind speed and the ocean surface wind vector (speed and direction) is also included.
Analyzing Ocean Swell
This module describes the main elements to consider when analyzing wave model and buoy data. The module focuses on data products available from NOAA including spectral plots, maps, and text bulletins. East and West Coast wave-masking exercises conclude the module. The content in this module is an excerpt from the previously published COMET module Rip Currents: Forecasting.
SatFC-G: Near-IR Bands
This lesson introduces you to three of the four near-infrared imager bands (at 1.37, 1.6, and 2.2 micrometers) on the GOES R-U ABI (Advanced Baseline Imager), focusing on their spectral characteristics and how they affect what each band observes. For information on the 0.86 micrometer near-IR "veggie" band which is not included here, refer to the Visible and Near-IR Bands lesson. This lesson is a part of the NWS Satellite Foundation GOES-R Course.
Satellite Meteorology: Introduction to Using the GOES Sounder
This module, adapted for the Web from the CD-ROM released in 1998, reviews GOES sounder characteristics, data products, and applications concurrent with the GOES I(8)-P satellites. Topics covered include the electromagnetic spectrum and sounder channel selection, weighting functions for temperature and moisture determination, and assessment of GOES sounder products. Sample imagery and products are provided along with several short case examples that demonstrate how these products are beneficial to meteorological analysis and forecasting applications.
Australian Severe Thunderstorm Case Studies
In this southern hemisphere-focused module, the student can work through a major Australian severe thunderstorm event in detail and examine aspects of two other severe thunderstorm events. Follow a forecast time-line to assess data and make decisions from the pre-storm phase through the warning phase. This module was developed for and the copyrights are owned by the Bureau of Meteorology Australia.
Introduction to Electromagnetic and Electro-Optic Propagation
This lesson describes the properties of electromagnetic and electro-optical radiation and how their propagation is affected by the atmosphere and weather. Atmospheric variables that affect EM propagation include temperature, moisture, pressure, and composition. These variables control processes including refraction, absorption, and scattering.
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 ...
S-290 Unit 10: Fuel Moisture
S-290 Unit 10: Fuel Moisture provides information about live and dead fuel moisture contents and their relation to fire behavior. Influences on fuel moisture and methods for estimating dead fuel and live fuel moisture in the field are summarized, and guidance is offered for assessing the potential fire danger based on fuel moisture and other fireline information. The module is part of the Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior Course.
Microwave Remote Sensing: Land and Ocean Surface Applications, 2nd Edition
This lesson introduces the concepts and principles basic to retrieving important land and ocean surface properties using microwave remote sensing observations from polar-orbiting satellites. Section one reviews the advantages of microwave remote sensing from polar-orbiting platforms and briefly highlights some of the unique spectral characteristics that allow for differentiation between various surface types and properties. Subsequent sections present a more in-depth look at the derivation and application of microwave products that quantify four different land and ocean surface properties and ...
Introduction to Tropical Meteorology, 2nd Edition, Chapter 8: Tropical Cyclones
Tropical cyclones are the deadliest tropical weather systems. This chapter describes their seasonal and geographic variability and controls, decadal cycles, and history of naming conventions. Tropical cyclogenesis is explored in depth and the core and balance solutions for regions of the cyclone are examined. Intensity is considered in terms of inner-core dynamics, large-scale environmental controls, limits on potential intensity, satellite interpretation techniques, and classification by wind speed. Factors that influence motion are investigated. Extratropical transition is described in terms ...
Sea Ice and Products and Services of the National Ice Center
This two-hour module examines sea ice, icebergs, and the products and services of the National Ice Center and the North American Ice Service. Topics include climatology and current trends in sea ice extent and thickness; the development, classification, and drift of sea ice and icebergs; fractures, leads and polynyas; and the satellite detection of sea ice using visible, infrared, and microwave sensors.
Landfalling Fronts and Cyclones
Landfalling cyclones and their attendant fronts significantly impact the structure of mesoscale wind and precipitation fields along the west coast of North America. This module focuses on the complex interaction of the wind field with topography and the resulting effects on nearshore winds and precipitation. For example, prefrontal conditions may lead to flow blocking, development of a barrier jet, and seaward displacement of the maximum precipitation. Postfrontal conditions tend to promote windward ridging and lee troughing, which enhance along-coast flow.
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: W ...
Fog: Its Processes and Impacts to Aviation and Aviation Forecasting
This module first introduces forecasters to aviation-forecast customers and their needs, and discusses how fog impacts aviation operations. The main content of the module then explains the physical processes and life cycle of radiation and advection fog, including their preconditioning environment, initiation, growth, and dissipation. The processes covered in the module include radiation (both solar and longwave), soil-atmosphere thermal interactions, turbulent mixing, the roles of condensation nuclei, and droplet settling. Each section of the module includes a set of interactive questions bas ...
Radio Wave Propagation
As a society we have become dependent on satellite communications, but satellites fail with alarming frequency. Before the advent of satellites, long distance communications were carried out with high frequency (HF) radio transmissions. This lesson examines the factors that control long-distance radio communications, with an emphasis on refraction in the ionosphere, frequency selection, and the effects of solar radiation.
Dynamic Feature Identification: The Satellite Palette
This series addresses the use of satellite imagery and focuses attention on the identification of dynamic features using high-resolution satellite imagery with NWP verification. The series will eventually include more than 20 feature presentations on topics such as comma clouds, jet streaks, deformation zones, surface features, convection, and blocking. Each feature presentation includes interactive identification exercises, analysis and diagnosis, conceptual models, and forecast implications.
Weather Ready Nation: Prepare and Be Safe!
These Weather-Ready Nation (WRN) scenarios—eight in all—take about 10 minutes each to complete. The scenarios are based on potential weather events ranging from floods to heatwaves and teach safety steps individuals should take before, during and after significant weather events. Users can choose their geographic location and appropriate age group. This learning resource was developed by Raytheon as part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Weather-Ready Nation (WRN) Ambassador™ initiative, and incorporates feedback from NOAA and the Federal Emergency Management Agen ...
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 ...
Met 101: Introduction to the World's Oceans
This short lesson provides an overview of the world's oceans, including information about geography, physical properties, major currents, and the effects of oceans on weather and climate. Brief information about wind waves, swell, and tides and the drivers of each of these phenomena are included along with an introduction to ocean measurements.
Monitoring the Climate System with Satellites
The international science community has identified a set of Essential Climate Variables (ECVs) that should be monitored for measuring the climate system, how it is changing, and its likely impact on future climate. Environmental satellites play an important role in this effort. They are uniquely positioned to provide broad, spatially consistent, and continuous global sampling of many of the ECVs. This module explores the benefits of monitoring the climate system with satellites. We begin by reviewing how satellites observe key atmospheric elements and features that are found in a variety of cl ...
Isentropic Analysis
This Webcast, presented by Dr. Jim Moore of St. Louis University, covers the advantages and applications of diagnosis and visualization of large-scale flow and vertical motion on surfaces of constant potential temperature. The movement of moisture along these surfaces is emphasized, as is the diagnosis of the components of vertical motion. Background mathematical concepts are presented, then illustrated with soundings, cross sections, and plan view analyses of data from multiple cases.
GOES-R Series Multilingual Training Resources
This listing of multilingual training materials for the GOES-R series includes both foundational lessons and quick guides developed by various partners at the request of the U.S. National Weather Service and NESDIS. The selections included here represent materials translated to Spanish and Portuguese. Training contributors include COMET, RAMMB/CIRA, CIMSS, and SPoRT. Translation contributors/reviewers include the Servicio Meteorológico Nacional (SMN) in Argentina and the University of São Paulo in Brazil.
Case Study: A Northern Plains Cold-Air Outbreak Event
This case study focuses on making a forecast and writing a TAF so that it best represents the meteorological situation to aviation customers. During the exercise, the student prepares a forecast for Sioux Falls, South Dakota. As part of the Distance Learning Aviation Course 1 (DLAC1) on Fog and Stratus Forecasting, the exercise applies concepts taught in the rest of the course, with special emphasis on determining the impacts on airfield flight operations and creating a TAF that describes those impacts. The module is a re-creation of several live teletraining sessions offered in 2003 as part o ...
Analysis, Diagnosis, and Short-Range Forecast Tools
This lesson is divided into three sections. The first section discusses the importance of analysis and diagnosis in evaluating NWP in the forecast process. In section two, we discuss a methodology for dealing with discrepancies between both the official forecast and NWP compared to analysis and diagnosis. The third section shows a representative example of the methodology.
Ocean Effect Snow: New England Snow Storm, 14 January 1999
This case study is the first in the Mesoscale Aspects of Winter Weather Forecasting module series. The case is presented as a series of challenging forecast questions followed by a more traditional case study presentation. Included in the exercise is a rich set of data products and a series of background materials on lake/ocean effect snow and winter microphysics processes.
Tsunamis
This lesson introduces the science of tsunamis: their causes, initiation process, properties, propagation, inundation, and long-term effects. Through numerous animations, historical images, video, and interactive exercises, learners discover the ways tsunamis interact with and affect the world. The lesson is intended for Weather Forecast Office staff — particularly National Weather Service Warning Coordination Meteorologists — who desire a better understanding of tsunamis in their role as issuers of tsunami warning-related messages. But it will also benefit anyone wanting to learn more about h ...
Community Tsunami Preparedness, 2nd Edition
This lesson is designed to help emergency managers prepare their communities for tsunamis. Topics include basic tsunami science, hazards produced by tsunamis, the tsunami warning system, the importance of public education activities, and how to craft good emergency messages and develop tsunami response plans. The lesson also contains links to extensive Reference and Resources sections.
Introduction to Climatology for the Tropical Pacific Islands
This lesson provides information on climatology—what it is, the factors that create an area's climate, and the sources and uses of climate information. Focused specifically on tropical Pacific islands, the content covers the key features influencing climate in that region and includes examples for four locations distributed across the tropical Pacific Ocean, both north and south of the equator. The lesson provides a basic introduction to tropical climatology intended for a wide range of users, from meteorology technicians, forecasters, and scientists, to those in industries or sectors influenc ...
Assessing Fire Danger
The “Assessing Fire Danger” distance learning module explores techniques for recognizing weather and fuel conditions contributing to fire danger. The module includes a matrix of data sources offering useful weather, fuels, and other information related to fire ignition, spread, and intensity. An overview of situational awareness practices provides information relevant to forecasters in the office or field. This module is part of the Advanced Fire Weather Forecasters Course.
Feature Identification Exercises: Clouds, Snow, and Ice Using MODIS
This module consists of four exercises where users identify surface features, distinguish clouds from snow on the ground, and determine cloud phase using multispectral analysis. The module also includes an overview of multispectral techniques available on many operational and research polar-orbiting satellites. A page with links to real-time polar-orbiting data and information is also included.
Weather and the Built Environment
This short course provides broadcast meteorologists, educators, and the public with an overview of the evolution of our modern urban environment with a focus on impacts on the urban watershed, air quality, and climate. This course complements the course Watersheds: Connecting Weather to the Environment and both are part of the Earth Gauge™ environmental curriculum for weathercasters and educators. This curriculum is being developed by the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF). [See http://www.earthgauge.net/wp/] Unit 1, Where We Live, takes a look at past and current U.S. growth p ...
Unified Terrain in the National Blend of Models
This lesson discusses errors associated with the use of inconsistent terrain in the analyses in the Real-Time and the Un-Restricted Mesoscale Analyses (RTMA and URMA, respectively), and in downscaling numerical weather prediction model data to the resolution of the U.S. National Weather Service National Blend of Models (NBM). The sources of these inconsistencies are examined, and the errors that result are discussed. A solution is to use a unified, consistent terrain in the analyses and the NBM. This solution is only partial however, as resolution of small, meteorologically significant feature ...
Influence of Model Physics on NWP Forecasts - version 2
This module, part of the "NWP Training Series: Effective Use of NWP in the Forecast Process", describes model parameterizations of surface, PBL, and free atmospheric processes, such as surface snow processes, soil thermal and moisture processes, surface vegetation effects such as evapotranspiration, radiative processes involving clouds and trace gases, and turbulent processes in the PBL and free atmosphere. 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. B ...
National Water Model, Part 1: Science and Products
This lesson provides an introduction to the benefits, important input (forcing data), and key products of the National Water Model. Both official and evolving products are presented. The lesson uses the flooding associated with Hurricane Harvey in August 2017 to demonstrate key products.
GOES-16 and S-NPP/JPSS Case Exercise: Hurricane Harvey Surface Flooding
Satellite data are important tools for analyses and short-term forecasts of surface floodwater. This lesson will highlight the August 2017 flooding associated with Hurricane Harvey in southeastern Texas, one of the most costly weather disasters in U.S. history. Through the use of interactive exercises the learner will become familiar with use and interpretation of satellite imagery in regions with surface flooding. The lesson will use data from both the S-NPP Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) and the GOES-16 Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI). The satellite-derived flood map and th ...
Introduction to Ocean Models
Oceans cover over 70% of the surface of the earth, yet many details of their workings are not fully understood. To better understand and forecast the state of the ocean, we rely on numerical ocean models. Ocean models combine observations and physics to predict the ocean temperature, salinity, and currents at any time and any place across the ocean basins. This module will discuss what goes into numerical ocean models, including model physics, coordinate systems, parameterization, initialization, and boundary conditions.
PBL in Complex Terrain - Part 1
This is part 1 of a 2-part Webcast based on a presentation by Dr. David Whiteman on August 11, 2004 in Boulder, CO. Dr. Whiteman presents conceptual and practical information regarding winds in the planetary boundary layer in complex terrain. Part 1 topics include diurnal wind systems, mountain-plain wind systems, and slope wind systems.
Weather Forecast Uncertainty Information for Everyday Users - Presentation at 2015 Workshop on Communicating Uncertainty to Users of Weather Forecasts
Although previous research suggests that we are not very good at reasoning with uncertainty, the research described in this talk is far more encouraging. Unlike earlier work that compares peoples' decisions to a rational standard, these experiments compared decisions made by people with uncertainty information to decisions made by people without uncertainty information. The results suggest that including specific numeric uncertainty estimates in weather forecasts leads to better decisions. This talk was part of Meteorological Service of Canada's 2015 Workshop on Communicating Uncertainty to Us ...
Short-Range Ensemble Forecast Upgrade
The Short-Range Ensemble Forecast (SREF) system underwent a major upgrade in Fall 2015. The intended result of the upgrade was to improve the SREF ensemble spread and probabilistic skill, and to reduce a cool, wet bias in surface and near-surface temperatures and moisture. This 20-minute lesson addresses the changes to improve the SREF, including the increase in ensemble size, the increase in initial condition and model physics diversity, and drier land surface parameters to lessen the cool, wet bias. Each is introduced by comparing the old and new SREF forecasts for a potential winter storm f ...
Tsunami Warning Systems
Tsunami Warning Systems describes the processes involved in anticipating, detecting, and warning for a tsunami by summarizing data collection, modeling, analysis, and alert procedures used at NOAA's Tsunami Warning Centers. A simulated event and past tsunami occurrences are used to highlight warning system processes for determining the tsunami threat based on seismic and sea level data and tsunami forecast models. Message communication and local response are also addressed as final components of any warning system. The module is intended for Weather Forecast Office staff and emergency managers ...
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