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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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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 ...
Rip Currents: Forecasting
This is the third and final part in a training series on rip currents. The topic of forecasting daily rip current risk can be explored by operational forecasters, many of whom do not have a physical oceanography background. The hazards of rip currents and a review of the factors that contribute to rip current development are discussed. To demonstrate the process of a rip current forecast and as an example of what can locally be developed at the user’s station, the module presents a rip current worksheet that is used operationally at some forecast offices. Various parts of this worksheet requir ...
Quasi Geostrophic Omega Equation
This learning object/widget is designed for upper-level undergraduates or forecaster interns who want to apply their knowledge of the Quasi-geostrophic Omega Equation to forecast situations. The interactivity helps users see how each variable interacts within the equation and shows data for different phase shifts of 500hPa and 1000hPa heights. Instructors can use this learning object with their own question sets as well to build more understanding and application into their dynamics/synoptic course.
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 ...
Introduction to Statistics for Climatology
The effective use of climate data and products requires an understanding of what the statistical parameters mean and which parameters best summarize the data for particular climate variables. This module addresses both concerns, taking a two-pronged approach: 1) focusing on the statistical parameters (mean, median, mode, extreme values, percent frequency of occurrence and time, range, standard deviation, and data anomalies), defining what they mean and how they are calculated using climate data as examples, and 2) focusing on weather and climate variables, identifying the statistical parameter ...
Thermally-forced Circulation I: Sea Breezes
This module describes the phenomena of the sea breeze. It examines factors that lead to the formation of a sea breeze, modifying effects on sea breeze development, how mesoscale NWP models handle sea breezes, and sea breeze forecast parameters. The module places instruction in the context of a sea breeze case from Florida and compares surface and satellite observations to a model simulation using the AFWA MM5. Like other modules in the Mesoscale Meteorology Primer, this module comes with audio narration, rich graphics, and a companion print version.
Flood Frequency Analysis: International Edition
Flood frequency analysis uses historical flow records to both estimate the frequency with which floods of a certain magnitude may occur and predict the possible flood magnitude over a certain time period. This module offers a thorough introduction to appropriately constructing the necessary historical data series, calculating the flooding probabilities, and gauging the reliability of the resulting probability values. Methods for assessing flood frequency in basins with limited data are also discussed.
SatFC-G: GOES-R Impacts on Satellite Data Assimilation
This five minute lesson presents a brief overview of how GOES-R observations are expected to support and potentially enhance NWP for various analysis and forecast applications. This lesson is a part of the NWS Satellite Foundation GOES-R Course.
Introduction to Climate Models
This module explains how climate models work. Because the modeling of both weather and climate share many similarities, the content throughout this module draws frequent comparisons and highlights the differences. We explain not only how, but why climate models differ from weather models. To do so, we explore the difference between weather and climate, then show how models are built to simulate climate and generate the statistics that describe it. We conclude with a discussion of models are tuned and tested. Understanding how climate responds to changes in atmospheric composition and other fac ...
Two Right Feet? Understanding the Difference Between U.S. Survey Feet and International Survey Feet
This video explains the difference between the U.S. survey foot (sFT) and the international survey foot (iFT) and the importance of this distinction when working with map projections. It will be helpful to surveyors, planners and anyone who needs to convert map coordinates from meters to feet. This resource is hosted on COMET's YouTube Channel.
Satellite Feature Identification: Cyclogenesis
This lesson, Satellite Feature Identification: Cyclogenesis, uses water vapor satellite imagery to present a satellite perspective of basic features associated with the formation and development of extratropical cyclones. First, through an initial case study, the precursor elements leading to cyclogenesis are identified. Then three conceptual views of different ways cyclogenesis can evolve are presented along with additional examples to illustrate the concepts. Finally a series of exercises, again using real case studies, are used to emphasize the important points and provide realistic scenari ...
Fire Weather Climatology
The “Fire Weather Climatology” module provides a comprehensive look at fire regions across the United States and characteristics of typical fire seasons in each region. In addition, critical fire weather patterns are described in terms of their development, duration and impact on fire weather. Numerous case studies provide examples and opportunities to practice recognizing these critical patterns and how they can affect fire ignition and spread. This module is part of the Advanced Fire Weather Forecasters Course.
Microwave Remote Sensing Resources
This module provides background information on microwave remote sensing with polar-orbiting satellites. It reviews coverage, orbits, and data latency issues of current operational and selected research satellites and notes improvements expected in the NPP and NPOESS era. The module contrasts active vs. passive remote sensing, discusses advantages and limitations of different microwave instrument scanning strategies, and addresses viewing geometry with implications for spatial resolution and swath coverage. Finally, it offers a review of the microwave spectrum and special characteristics of mic ...
Techniques in Hydrologic Forecast Verification
This module demonstrates techniques for developing a hydrologic forecast verification effort. Although it can be taken as stand-alone training, the module on Introduction to Verification of Hydrologic Forecasts is intended a useful prerequisite. Through the use of rich illustrations, case study examples, and review questions, this module provides an example of developing a verification effort using NWS verification tools. Two case studies will be highlighted that both look at the primary question of whether QPF input to hydrologic models improves the hydrologic forecasts. Related questions of ...
JPSS River Ice and Flood Products
This lesson introduces hydrologists, meteorologists, and the education community to two new JPSS (Joint Polar Satellite System) satellite capabilities for monitoring river ice and flooding. It begins by describing the need for information on river ice and flooding, the capabilities of the Suomi NPP and future JPSS VIIRS imagers to provide products for monitoring river conditions, and the new river ice and flood products. This is followed by several cases, notably the May 2013 Galena, AK flood event, that demonstrate the use and value of the products in monitoring river ice and related flooding ...
Advanced Himawari Imager (AHI): What’s Different from the GOES-R Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI)
This brief lesson provides an overview of the AHI on Himawari and highlights its differences from the GOES-R Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI). It discusses AHI’s improved capabilities in spectral coverage, spatial resolution, and imaging interval over the MTSAT-2 imager; the differences in spectral coverage and scan strategy between AHI and ABI and the impact on products; and how AHI data and products benefit forecasters in Alaska, Pacific Region, and CONUS. Note that the lesson complements COMET’s GOES-R ABI lesson, which should be taken before going through this lesson.
Flash Flood Processes
According to NOAA’s National Weather Service, a flash flood is a life-threatening flood that begins within 6 hours--and often within 3 hours--of a causative event. That causative event can be intense rainfall, the failure of a dam, levee, or other structure that is impounding water, or the sudden rise of water level associated with river ice jams. The “Flash Flood Processes” module offers an introduction to the distinguishing features of flash floods, the underlying hydrologic influences and the use of flash flood guidance (FFG) products. Through use of rich illustrations, animations, and inte ...
NCAR Climate Data Guide
The Climate Data Guide provides concise and reliable information on the strengths and limitations of the key observational data sets, tools and methods used to evaluate Earth system models and to understand the climate system. Citable expert commentaries are authored by experienced data users and developers, enabling scientists to multiply the impacts of their work and the diverse user community to access and understand the essential data. This resource is made available courtesy of NCAR's Climate and Global Dynamics Division and is not produced, owned or hosted by UCAR/COMET.
Instrumentation and Measurement of Atmospheric Temperature
This lesson offers a comprehensive overview of temperature measurement as related to the atmosphere, bodies of water, soils, and other parts of Earth’s surface. The lesson begins by defining temperature and why it is an important property to characterize. It provides details about the properties and characteristics of sensors used for temperature measurements and the advantages and disadvantages of different sensors depending on the application. Lastly, the lesson outlines the methods used for measuring different types of temperature, from soil to the free atmosphere.
Preparing to Evaluate NWP Models
This lesson prepares the forecaster to evaluate NWP analyses and forecasts using physically based conceptual models of the atmosphere, and the "Vertical Phenomenon Analysis Funnel". This funnel divides the atmosphere into three sections: lower stratosphere and tropopause, mid-to-upper troposphere, and lower troposphere. We discuss tools to use and atmospheric features to assess for each section of the atmosphere, using interactive case examples, and summarize the methodology with a comprehensive example. Finally, we compare model capabilities and the time and space scales of assessment tools u ...
Local Influences on Fog and Low Stratus
Local and mesoscale influences can make or break your fog or stratus forecast. Influences of local water bodies, terrain, vegetation, soil characteristics, and coastal features on the lower atmosphere can play a vital role in the development, duration, and intensity of these events. As part of the Distance Learning Course 1: Forecasting Fog and Low Stratus, this module examines several of these influences and discusses how they enhance or inhibit a fog or stratus event.
Satellite Monitoring of Atmospheric Composition
Satellite monitoring of atmospheric composition provides important information for a number of applications, including stratospheric ozone monitoring, long-range pollutant transport, biomass burning, air quality monitoring and forecasting, and climate change. This module provides an overview of the use of satellites in these application areas, the measurement techniques used, and the development of related operational services. In addition, the module covers a short history of European and U.S. satellite missions, as well as a look at future missions planned for monitoring atmospheric composit ...
Forecasting Heavy Rains and Landslides in Eastern Africa
Good rainfall draws many people to settle across the eastern Africa highlands for farming and other businesses. However, factors such as steep terrain, logging, livestock grazing, agriculture, and construction, have increased erosion and contributed to less stable slopes. These factors can lead to devastating landslides and mudslides, especially during episodes of very heavy rain. Forecasting and monitoring heavy rainfall is challenging, especially in mountainous regions that have few surface observations. This make satellite data critical for meteorologists and hydrologists forecasting for th ...
The Impact of Weather on Air Traffic Management
This module focuses on the National Airspace System (NAS) and how weather affects it. It describes the various components of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), how that organization manages air traffic, and how CWSU and WFO forecasts help the FAA's decision-making process. The module also provides tips on establishing a good professional relationship with this important partner (FAA), understanding their language, and preparing weather briefings that will give them the information they need. This module is part of a larger exercise to develop a station Weather Impacts Playbook, a suppl ...
Web-Based Ensemble Tools: Ensemble Situational Awareness Table
The National Weather Service (NWS) Western Region (WR) has developed a Ensemble Situational Awareness Table (ESAT), which uses probabilistic NWP to bring attention to the potential for extreme events, especially in middle-range forecasts. The lesson, which is the first of two on the ESAT, describes the ESAT and how its data can be used to support assessment of extreme weather event forecasts. Additionally, statistical methods, including employment of reanalysis and NWP model climatologies (R-Climate and M-Climate, respectively) are described in reference to the products available in the ESAT.
Instrumentation and Measurement of Atmospheric Pressure
This lesson provides information about current science and technologies for measuring atmosphere pressure. The lesson begins by reviewing the key physical laws governing atmospheric pressure, including Dalton's Law of Partial Pressures. Then, it explores typical requirements and uncertainty parameters related to atmospheric pressure sensors and provides details about the components of pressure sensors, including fluidic, mechanical, and electronic transducers. The lesson is part of the Instrumentation and Measurement of Atmospheric Parameters course series.
Introduction to Tropical Meteorology, 2nd Edition, Chapter 1: Introduction
This chapter introduces learners to tropical meteorology including various methods of defining the tropics. An overview of energy balance and the global climate system is presented. The role of the tropics in the global energy and momentum balance is presented. Atmospheric structure of temperature and humidity are discussed in terms of latitudinal variability. Pressure ranges and scales of atmospheric motion in the tropics are reviewed. Seasonal and geographic distribution and the diurnal cycle of surface temperature and the influencing factors are examined in detail. Finally, we review tropic ...
In-depth Physics Lessons
This collection of four condensed physics lessons is offered as a companion to our Physics of the Aurora: Earth Systems learning module, and has been developed especially for use by university physics educators. The lesson topics are Charged Particle Motions, Magnetic Force, the Frozen-field Theorem, and Static Atmospheres. Each short, self-contained lesson can be accessed independently and includes interactive formula derivations, exercises, and open-ended questions suitable for classroom discussion or out-of-class assignments.
Slantwise Convection Case Exercise
This exercise examines an event that took place in the 24 hour time period beginning at 18Z, Dec 31, 2000 in southern British Columbia, Canada and northern Washington/Idaho, United States. This is a companion piece to the COMET Webcast, Slantwise Convection: An Operational Approach.
Introduction to Ensemble Prediction
This webcast is a shorter companion to the Ensemble Prediction Explained module, focusing more directly on immediate operational needs. Introductory content includes the role of ensemble forecasts, presentation of basic ensemble forecasting terms, and discussion of how ensemble prediction systems (EPSs) are created. The largest section is focused on common ensemble forecast products, including how they differ from traditional NWP products, how we interpret ensemble forecast products, the advantages and limitations of each product, how EPS products are verified, and how to use ensemble products ...
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.
Quantitative Precipitation Forecasting Overview
In this module, Wes Junker, retired Senior Branch Forecaster at NCEP/HPC provides an introduction to Quantitative Precipitation Forecasting. This presentation assumes a familiarity with basic meteorological processes.
Climate Change and Regional Impacts
This short module is an overview of the different effects climate change produces in different regions of the United States. In addition to discussing impacts already being experienced, the module presents information on how climate scientists use specialized models and statistical techniques to estimate how regional climates are likely to change in the future.
Imaging with VIIRS: A Convergence of Technologies and Experience, 2nd Edition
This module introduces the VIIRS imager that was launched on the Suomi NPP (National Polar-orbiting Partnership) satellite in October 2011 and will fly on future U.S. JPSS weather satellites. The VIIRS imager has many advanced features that improve both spectral and spatial resolution. Together with modernized data communication and processing systems, VIIRS will provide consistent, high quality, and high resolution data to users. The module covers the enhanced capabilities of VIIRS by examining the systems that contributed to its development. Special attention is paid to the Day/Night Visible ...
Supporting Military Emergency Response During Hazardous Releases
This module is primarily intended for AFWA and other military forecasters. It explains the basics of how hazardous materials are dispersed in the atmosphere and how emergency responders and others model the transport and impact of the materials. The goal is to acquaint forecasters with the inputs needed for modeling and to encourage them to be proactive in providing their site-specific knowledge to improve dispersion predictions.
Communicating Impacts and Mitigation for Wind Chill and Extreme Cold
Extremely cold air comes every winter to at least part of the United States and affects millions of people. Arctic air and brisk winds can lead to dangerously cold wind chill values, resulting in frostbite and hypothermia. About 63% of weather-related deaths in the U.S. result from exposure to excessive cold and/or hypothermia. Extreme cold can also lead to significant damage to buildings and infrastructure, resulting in $500-million in average annual insured losses. This lesson describes the potential impacts of cold wind chill values and extremely cold temperatures, and explores ways forecas ...
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 ...
Snowmelt Processes
This module helps the student develop an understanding of the contribution of snowmelt in the hydrologic forecasting process. The module first explains the influences of wind, sun, terrain, and vegetation on snow water distribution and then discusses the evolution of snowpack characteristics. From there, the student will learn about energy exchanges between the snow and the atmosphere and how that affects how quickly and how completely snow will melt. Finally, an explanation is presented of water flow through snow and the fate of that water when it reaches the ground surface. The lesson will b ...
Tropical Severe Local Storms
The module provides a brief overview of severe local storms in the tropics. Basic ingredients for thunderstorms and assessment of thunderstorm potential from soundings are described. Then properties and hazards of ordinary thunderstorms, multicellular thunderstorms, supercells are reviewed. Conditions conducive to supercell formation in the tropics are examined along with methods of identifying them in radar and satellite images. Supercell and non-supercell tornado properties and formation are described. Finally, tornadoes, waterspouts, and dust devils properties are compared.
GOES-R Series Faculty Virtual Course: Multispectral RGB Composites
In this webinar recording Dr. Emily Berndt and Dr. Michael Folmer discuss the capabilities of the GOES-R/16 Red-Green-Blue (RGB) composites. Multispectral or RGB composites are qualitative, false color images designed to enhance specific features in the atmosphere that are important to forecasters, aviators, mariners, and emergency response officials. RGB composites have been enthusiastically integrated into forecast operations because of their ability to highlight the presence and evolution of important forecast phenomena. This presentation details the development of RGB composites and provid ...
Geodetic Control in Land Surveying: Active vs. Passive
Aimed at surveyors and GIS professionals, this video explains the difference between active and passive control methods in surveying, and the strengths and weaknesses of each. Passive control is the traditional method of referencing positions to physical benchmarks that have known locations. Active control references positions to one or more Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS). These stations use continuous contact with global navigation satellite systems (GNSS/GPS) to provide a highly accurate and updated position.
Bias Correction of NWP Model Data
The lesson "Bias Correction of NWP Model Data" first describes what affects bias in NWP models: regime continuity, timing of features that affect sensible weather, and existence (or not) of those features in the models. After discussing examples of each of these, three bias correction methods are presented: Model Output Statistics (MOS), decaying average, and a SmartInit tool developed at the Boise ID WFO called BOIVerify. Situations where each perform well and each perform poorly are discussed. Finally, after a comprehensive review question and feedback, a summary and series of points to reme ...
Polar Satellite Products for the Operational Forecaster (POES) Module 1: POES Introduction
This Web-based module is a component of the Integrated Sensor Training (IST) Professional Development Series (PDS) Professional Competency Unit #6-Satellite Data and Products. Dr. Stan Kidder of the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) at Colorado State University is the principal science advisor for this module with significant assistance from Dr. Gary Hufford (NWS Alaska Region). The module provides an overview of current polar satellite products and their applications in forecasting situations and also contains a summary of instruments currently in use and a short his ...
Lectures on Radar Applications in Mesoscale Meteorology
This website provides access to the streaming presentations and PowerPoint source files for the 11 lectures delivered during the AMS Educational Forum “A Primer on Radar Analysis Techniques Used in Mesoscale Meteorology” held on 23 October 2005 in Albuquerque, NM. The presentations discuss how many advanced techniques for the analysis of meteorological radar data can be used to improve understanding of the structure, dynamics, and evolution of mesoscale circulations. The Forum was organized into four sections: 1) Microphysical Characterization of Precipitation Systems Using Dual-Polarization R ...
Rain Gauges: Are They Really Ground Truth?
It is the first streaming video Webcast released by the COMET Program. This interactive and entertaining presentation serves as a helpful reminder of the problems that can plague rain gauge performance including specifics regarding the widely used ASOS rain gauge. The material is suitable for anyone who deploys gauges or routinely uses precipitation gauge data. A version of this Webcast that can be installed on your computer for local playback is also provided.
Volcanic Ash: Impacts to Aviation, Climate, Maritime Operations, and Society
This module is the third in the four-part Volcanic Ash series. It provides information on the impacts of an explosive volcanic eruption to aviation, climate, maritime operations and society. The threats, or impacts, from an eruption vary depending on the eruption style, duration and proximity--both in distance and altitude--to the volcano. As you learned earlier, an eruption may bring multiple hazards to urban and rural areas through: Lahars (mudflows) and floods Lava-flow inundation Pyroclastic flows and surge Volcanic ash and bomb fallout Volcanic gases In this module, we'll take a closer lo ...
From mm to cm... Study of snow/liquid water ratios in Quebec
In a detailed 130 page report, Ivan Dubé of the Meteorological Service of Canada reviews the factors that contribute to snow density, and presents a new and improved algorithm based on data from Québec for diagnosing and predicting snow density. A verification of the algorithm is included, along with a few case examples. This document is in English as a .pdf file. A French version is also available: http://meted.ucar.edu/norlat/snowdensity/rapportneigeeau.pdf
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