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.
Please note that resources contributed by Members will reside on other websites and may allow limited access or require login. For copyright information, see the WMO Global Campus Copyright Practice Standards and the contributor’s website. Quality standards are described in the Recommended Quality Guidelines for Global Campus E-Library Submissions.
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.
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.
You can search resources by using the filters on the right of the screen or by clicking "Refine your search" below. This will display advanced search criteria.
Browse by competencies
Sorted by (Issue date descending, Date of update descending, Date of creation descending, Number of collection descending) Add the result to your favourites Refine your search
GOES-R ABI: Next Generation Satellite Imaging
This extension of the COMET lesson “GOES-R: Benefits of Next Generation Environmental Monitoring” focuses on the ABI instrument, the satellite's 16-channel imager. With increased spectral coverage, greater spatial resolution, more frequent imaging, and improved image pixel geolocation and radiometric performance, the ABI will bring significant advancements to forecasting, numerical weather prediction, and climate and environmental monitoring. The first part of the lesson introduces the ABI's key features and improvements over earlier GOES imagers. The second section lets users interactively ex ...
Forecasting Dust Storms - Version 2
Forecasting Dust Storms Version 2 provides background and operational information about dust storms. The first part of the module describes dust source regions, the life cycle of a dust storm, and the major types of dust storms, particularly those found in the Middle East. The second part presents a process for forecasting dust storms and applies it to a case in the Middle East. Although the process refers to U.S. Department of Defense models and tools, it can easily be adapted to other forecast requirements and data sources. Note that this module is an updated version of the original one publ ...
Using the WRF Mesoscale Model
This module provides insights on how to best use WRF mesoscale model guidance in the forecast process. Using two cases in southwest Asia where AFWA WRF is currently in use, it examines improvements offered by the WRF for forecasting fronts, topographic impacts, precipitation type, and hazards to aviation. The module also discusses some mesoscale model limitations, and offers strategies for transitioning between using mesoscale and global NWP guidance for medium-range forecasts, even when the models differ significantly.
S-290 Unit 11: Extreme Wildland Fire Behavior
S-290 Unit 11: Extreme Wildland Fire Behavior covers the characteristics and contributing factors of extreme fire conditions. Fire activity that is considered extreme includes crown fire, spotting, fire whirls, and wind-driven or plume-dominated fires. Description of what determines the probability of ignition of a fire is also included. This module is part of the Intermediate Wildland Fire Behavior Course.
Impacts TAF Board Videos
This series of videos, produced in collaboration with NOAA and the FAA, provides an introduction to the new Impacts TAF Board tactical decision aid. Introducing the Impacts TAF Board (3:00) The new Aviation Weather Center (AWC) Impacts TAF Board helps aviation professionals easily monitor when and where airport operations will be impacted by the weather. This video introduces the history, purpose and benefits of the board. Using the Impacts TAF Board (4:20) This video explores the Impacts TAF Board website and explains the key elements of the board and how to use them.
River Ice Processes - Short Version
This module provides information on flooding associated with river ice jams. Based on a presentation by Dr. Kate White, a nationally-recognized expert on river ice, this webcast explores basic river ice processes including the formation, growth, breakup, and transport of river ice and how it can become jammed, triggering floods. This shorter version of the previously published module "River Ice Processes", has less focus on the US National Weather Service, making it more broadly applicable, including to an international audience.
Communicating Winter Weather Surface Impacts
This lesson will introduce National Weather Service (NWS) forecasters to the benefits of pre-season coordination in understanding the critical needs of decision-makers, particularly the state and local Departments of Transportation (DOTs). The strategies used by DOTs to mitigate road impacts during the winter and how the NWS can best support their needs are also discussed. Learners will gain insight into the common methods of collaboration between the NWS and DOT, and the different types of winter weather events in which they work together. Learners will also practice communicating winter weat ...
Advanced Satellite Sounding: The Benefits of Hyperspectral Observation - 2nd Edition
This lesson is an update to the 2008 expert lecture on hyperspectral observations presented by Dr. Mitch Goldberg, Program Scientist for NOAA's Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Program. The lesson discusses what hyperspectral observations are, how they are made, some current products, their contributions to improved monitoring of the atmosphere, oceans, and land surfaces, as well as their impact on numerical weather prediction. The lesson begins by discussing the importance of satellite observing systems. From there, it reviews the principles of remote sensing that are needed for deriving p ...
SatFC-J: Orbits and Data Availability
This lesson presents a brief overview of NOAA's operational low Earth orbiting satellites, focusing on how their orbits define observational coverage and how ground receiving capabilities impact data latency from the observation time to product availability. This lesson is part of the Satellite Foundational Course for JPSS (SatFC-J).
GOES-R Launch Workshop for Broadcast Meteorologists, November 2016
This lesson consists of presentations by nine professionals from NOAA and NASA recorded at the GOES-R Workshop for Broadcast Meteorologists at Kennedy Space Center. The workshop was offered by StormCenter Communications, Inc. in partnership with the COMET Program in conjunction with the November 2016 GOES-R launch. These presentations introduce broadcast meteorologists to the new capabilities of this next-generation weather satellite and cover topics including new instrumentation and data available via the GOES-R series, and how the imagery will improve forecasting. After completing this lesso ...
Watersheds: Connecting Weather to the Environment
This short course provides broadcast meteorologists with knowledge and instructional materials to help them understand watersheds as our environmental home and to help their viewers understand the relationship between the weather and the health and protection of the environment. Environmental impacts in many areas of the country result from the daily actions of people. We can easily see the consequences of a major oil spill at sea that is driven ashore by winds and ocean currents, but what about the fertilizer that people put on their lawns and the de-icer they apply to their driveway, or chan ...
Tropical Mesoscale and Local Circulations
This interactive module is part of an online university-level tropical synoptic meteorology course, which helps international meteorologists meet basic instructional requirements. In the module, we discuss: Mesoscale, thermally-forced circulations (i.e. land-sea breeze and mountain-valley breeze), including How they are formed and their diurnal cycle Factors that modify thermally forced circulations The weather associated with thermally forced circulations, particularly convection and other significant weather Interactions of mesoscale, thermally forced circulations with other atmospheric phen ...
AMS/COMET/MSC Mountain Weather Workshop, August 2008, Whistler, BC
In August 2008, the "Mountain Weather Workshop: Bridging the Gap Between Research and Forecasting" was held in Whistler, BC, Canada. It was sponsored by the American Meteorological Society, UCAR/COMET, and the Meteorological Service of Canada. The workshop brought together researchers, faculty, students, and operational forecasters. Its primary goals were to help provide a better understanding of the state of the science of mountain meteorology from both a research and an operational perspective, and to discuss ways of improving interaction between the research and forecasting communities. The ...
West Coast Fog
This is part of the Physical Processes Professional Competency Unit of the Forecasting Low-Altitude Clouds and Fog for Aviation Operations Professional Development Series. West Coast Fog discusses the climatology, physical processes, and evolution of hot spell fogs along the U.S. West Coast.
Topics in Polar Low Forecasting
This module presents an overview of the climatology, formation, evolution, detection, and forecasting of polar lows. The presentation has five sections: Disturbances in Cold Air Masses; Climatology of Cold Air Vortices and Polar Lows; Monitoring and Nowcasting of Polar Lows; Polar Lows and NWP; and Forecasting Process for Polar Lows. It also includes a printable forecasting checklist.
SatFC-G: Tropical to Extratropical Transition
This lesson uses water vapor satellite imagery from Himawari-8 to describe the typical extratropical transition of a tropical cyclone. The Himawari-8 imager previews comparable capabilities coming online with the GOES-R ABI imager. The lesson also provides a brief overview of subtropical cyclones and their transition to tropical cyclones. This lesson is a part of the NWS Satellite Foundation GOES-R Course.
Introduction to Tropical Cyclone Storm Surge
This lesson introduces forecasters to the physical processes and impacts of tropical cyclone storm surge. It provides an overview of the factors that affect storm surge, how it is measured, and the limitations associated with storm surge data. This online lesson is part of the Tropical Cyclone Storm Surge: Forecasting and Communication course.
Forecasting Radiation Fog
This is the second module in the Mesoscale Meteorology Primer series. This module starts with a forecast scenario that occurs during a winter radiation fog event in the Central Valley of California. After that, a conceptual section covers the physical processes of radiation fog through its life cycle. Operational sections addressing fog detection and forecasting conclude the module
TsunamiReady: Guidelines for Mitigation, Preparedness, and Response
The TsunamiReady® program began in 2001 to promote tsunami hazard preparedness and improve public safety before, during, and after tsunami emergencies. In 2015, the National Weather Service updated the TsunamiReady Guidelines based directly on emergency management principles and with input from the social sciences. This training provides an overview of the 2015 guidelines, which are focused on mitigation, preparedness, and response. The training will equip community officials and others interested in becoming TsunamiReady with strategies for streamlining their implementation of the guidelines. ...
WMO Commission for Aeronautical Meteorology Competency Resource Site
This web site is provided and maintained by the Commission for Aeronautical Met Expert Team on Education Training and Competencies (CAeM ET/ETC), a voluntary group convened under the auspices of the Aeronautical Meteorology Programme (AeMP) of the World Meteorological Organization. The CAeM ET/ETC comprises aeronautical meteorology experts from around the world as nominated by individual WMO member states and then endorsed during CAeM XV in Montréal in July 2014. The aim of this resource is to provide aeronautical meteorology training and guidance material sourced from around the world. The we ...
Remote Sensing of Land, Oceans, and Atmosphere with MODIS
This Webcast is based on presentations given by Dr. W. Paul Menzel at several conferences. It is approximately 60 minutes in length and introduces the MODIS instrument on the Terra satellite. Dr. Menzel begins by providing background on MODIS channel selection and instrument calibration. He continues with a variety of examples that include both climatological and meteorological applications, including high-resolution data and derived-product imagery. The examples are divided into land, ocean, and atmosphere applications. Dr. Menzel concludes with a discussion of the new direct-broadcast capabi ...
Introduction to Fire Behavior: Influences of Topography, Fuels, and Weather on Fire Ignition and Spread
This website provides an overview of factors that affect the ignition and spread of wildfire. Information is presented with 3-dimensional graphics and animations as well as audio descriptions and commentary provided by a fire behavior expert. You don't need extensive background in fire science or weather forecasting to use this site.
Introduction to Geodesy and Mapping
This lesson covers the topics of geodesy, datums, map projections, and map coordinate systems. Geodesy addresses the shape of the earth: the topographic surface, geoid, and best-fit ellipsoid. Datums addresses the position and orientation or the best-fit ellipsoid and the resulting coordinates. Map projections addresses the different ways to project an ellipsoidal datum onto a flat surface. Each projection has unique properties and each has pros and cons. Coordinate systems addresses the different ways that a rectangular coordinate system can be superposed on latitude-longitude graticule.
Introduction to Tropical Meteorology, 2nd Edition, Chapter 4: Tropical Variability
This chapter presents an overview of the major cycles dominating intraseasonal and interannual variability in the tropics. Characteristic atmospheric and oceanic patterns for each oscillation are presented and methods for tracking the evolution of these cycles are described. Observations and conceptual models of equatorial waves are presented. Classical solutions for equatorial waves are outlined and the effects of moisture on the expression of these waves are discussed. Since the tropics are not an isolated region of the globe, the impacts of these cycles on higher latitudes are also explored ...
SatFC-G: Impact of Satellite Observations on NWP
This lesson covers how satellite data inform numerical weather prediction models. From a basic overview of how satellite data is assimilated to how a new instrument's data might get into a model. This lesson is a part of the NWS Satellite Foundation GOES-R Course. More in-depth discussions and a quiz on the impacts of satellite observations on NWP can be found in the COMET lesson, How Satellite Observations Impact NWP.
Introduction to Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay (AMDAR)
Introduction to Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay (AMDAR) provides national meteorological services worldwide, airlines, and aviation organizations with information about the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) aircraft-based observing system. The audience includes meteorological service managers and providers, observational development groups, the aviation industry, and others interested in benefiting from an aircraft-based observing system in their region. The content includes interviews with several experts to provide examples of AMDAR use for both meteorological and aviation applicati ...
Using ASCAT Wind and Other Data in Marine Forecasting
This case study lesson demonstrates the use of scatterometer wind and, to a lesser extent, altimeter significant wave height products in marine forecasting. A brief introduction to cold fronts and their impact on weather and sea state conditions sets the stage for the main part of the lesson, the case study. The case follows the passage of a cold front over the South Atlantic Ocean on 23 and 24 November 2013 when the Polarstern research vessel was transiting the area. Learners use ASCAT wind and Jason significant wave height data to help determine current conditions and evaluate GFS and WAVEWA ...
WMO Satellite User Readiness Navigator (SATURN)
The SATURN (SATellite User Readiness Navigator) developed jointly by WMO and meteorological satellite operators provides unified access to information that helps users to prepare for the new generation of meteorological satellites to be launched in the 2015-2020 timeframe. Next-generation geostationary satellites are being launched by JMA, NOAA, CMA, KMA, ROSHYDROMET and EUMETSAT, with unprecedented capabilities for severe weather monitoring, nowcasting and short range forecasting, and for a number of other application areas. However, the new systems also pose unprecedented challenges to users ...
Role of the Skywarn Spotter
The goal of the "Role of the SKYWARN® Spotter" module is to provide baseline training for all spotters through multiple scenarios covering the procedures for spotting (including communication and storm report criteria), safety considerations for all hazards, and an overview of the national program and its history.
Using the Local Climate Analysis Tool (LCAT) for Water Resilience Decisions
This lesson offers users of climate information a demonstration of the utility of the Local Climate Analysis Tool (LCAT) for water resources applications. The training follows a NOAA Climate Resilience Toolkit case study in Tampa, Florida, and illustrates how LCAT analyses can be used to inform the steps to climate resilience outlined in the Toolkit. This text-based, interactive lesson will be accessible to anyone using LCAT for water resources decision-making, though will be most useful to those with some familiarity with drought/water resources questions and information needs. Some backgroun ...
Rapid Scan Applications and Benefits
This lesson introduces the capabilities and benefits of rapid scan imaging from geostationary meteorological satellites with a special focus on the current Meteosat Second Generation satellites. The lesson begins with an overview of current rapid scan imaging strategies and the products made from those observations. It then addresses nowcasting applications that benefit from these products with a focus on convection and its evolution. Other application areas that benefit from rapid scan observation are mentioned including the monitoring of fog and low stratus, wildfires, tropical cyclones, and ...
Deformation Zone Analysis
The quick analysis of deformation zones provides an overview of system-relative atmospheric circulations. Since deformation is a primary factor in frontogenesis and frontolysis, understanding of these system-relative circulations is crucial to the diagnosis of atmospheric processes and weather prediction. This module is part of the series: "Dynamic Feature Identification: The Satellite Palette".
Introduction to Ocean Acoustics
This module explores ocean acoustics, focusing on the propagation and detection of sound in the marine environment. Sound propagation strongly depends on refraction caused by variations in sound speed, and reflection off the seafloor and sea surface. Detection of sound subsequently depends on its propagation path, background noise from human and natural sources, and the sensors used for detection.
Ten Common NWP Misconceptions
This lesson introduces forecasters to ten of the most commonly encountered or significant misconceptions about NWP models. This list of ten misconceptions includes issues surrounding data assimilation, model resolution, physical parameterizations, and post-processing of model forecast output.
A Convective Storm Matrix: Buoyancy/Shear Dependencies
In order to help forecasters build a strategy for anticipating convective storm structures, their evolution, and the potential for severe weather, A Convective Storm Matrix provides learners the opportunity for extensive exploration of the relationship between a storm's environment and its structure. The matrix is composed of 54 four-dimensional numerical simulations based on the interactions of 16 different hodographs and 4 thermodynamic profiles. By comparing animated displays of these simulations, learners are able to discern the influences of varying buoyancy and vertical wind shear profil ...
HiresW HREF Upgrade
This 20-minute lesson presents upgraded versions of the two NWP models used as High Resolution Window (HiresW), the Weather Research and Forecasting-Advanced Research WRF (WRF-ARW) and the Non-Hydrostatic Multiscale Model on the B-grid (NMMB). Domains include the CONtinental US (CONUS), Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and Puerto Rico. The CONUS runs of the NMMB and WRF-ARW became part of a new High Resolution Ensemble Forecast (HREF) system in 2015, the first of its kind produced at the National Centers for Environmental Prediction. To familiarize the operational forecaster with the HREF, products from ...
Foundations of Meteorological Instrumentation and Measurements
This lesson provides an introduction to the instrumentation used for meteorological measurements. Aimed at undergraduate and graduate students in meteorology and the atmospheric sciences, it examines the types of observing systems available to measure temperature, pressure, humidity, trace gases, clouds and aerosols, winds, precipitation, and radiation. Learners will explore the main components of an instrument and become acquainted with performance characteristics including types of errors. This introductory lesson provides a foundation for more detailed training focused on measurement of spe ...
Precision and Accuracy in Geodetic Surveying
This brief video focuses on the importance of both precision and accuracy in geodetic surveying and the difference between them. Produced in collaboration between NOAA’s National Geodetic Survey and The COMET Program, this video is aimed at surveying professionals, planners, policy-makers and others who use mapping products. The video emphasizes that the accuracy of survey measurements should always be verified by relating measurements to a known reference system such as the National Spatial Reference System in the United States. This resource is hosted on COMET's YouTube Channel.
Community Hurricane Preparedness, 2nd Edition
The purpose of this course is to provide emergency managers who face threats from tropical cyclones and hurricanes with basic information about: How tropical cyclones form The hazards they pose How the NWS forecasts future hurricane behavior What tools and guiding principles can help emergency managers prepare their communities The course is not intended to take the place of courses sponsored by FEMA, the National Hurricane Center, and/or state agencies. However, it will provide a good background for those who either plan to attend those courses or cannot attend them. The original module was p ...
Introduction to Climatology
This module provides an overview of climatology, the study of climate. The module begins by examining the drivers that combine to create the climate regions of the world—from those at the mesoscale (local) level to those at the synoptic-scale (continental) and global-scale levels. Examples include locally dominant winds, air masses, fronts, ocean currents, Earth’s rotation around the sun, and latitude. Each discussion of a climate driver has an ‘example/exploration’ segment, where the information is applied to several cities. The module also examines a scheme for classifying the world’s climat ...
Weather Radar Fundamentals
This 2-hour module presents the fundamental principles of Doppler weather radar operation and how to interpret common weather phenomena using radar imagery. This is accomplished via conceptual animations and many interactive radar examples in which the user can practice interpreting both radar reflectivity and radar velocity imagery. Although intended as an accelerated introduction to understanding and using basic Doppler weather radar products, the module can also serve as an excellent refresher for more experienced users.
Ensemble Forecasting Explained
This module, the latest in our series on Numerical Weather Prediction, covers the theory and use of ensemble prediction systems (EPSs). The module will help forecasters develop an understanding of the basis for EPSs, the skills to interpret ensemble products, and strategies for their use in the forecast process. It contains six sections: an Introduction that briefly presents background theory; Generation, which describes how ensemble systems are constructed; Statistical Concepts, which provides a brief refresher on knowledge required for ensemble product interpretation; Summarizing Data, which ...
Verification Methods in the NWS National Blend of Global Models
This lesson introduces learners to the methods used in verifying 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 2 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 verify the NBM. Learners will also explore single event, grid-to-observation, and grid-to-grid verification methods, as well as how to interpret the results using the ...
SatFC-G: Introduction to the GLM
This lesson describes the need for real-time lightning information and the capabilities of the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM), which will fly on the next-generation GOES-R satellites as the first operational lightning detector in geostationary orbit. This lesson is a part of the NWS Satellite Foundation GOES-R Course. More in-depth discussions and a quiz on the lightning flash cycle and lightning applications can be found in the COMET lesson, GOES-R GLM: Introduction to the Geostationary Lightning Mapper.
GOES-R GLM: Introduction to the Geostationary Lightning Mapper
This extension of the COMET module “GOES-R: Benefits of Next Generation Environmental Monitoring” focuses on the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) instrument, the satellite's lightning mapper. The GLM will provide continuous lightning measurements over a large portion of the Western Hemisphere, mapping total lightning (intra-cloud and cloud–to–ground) flash rates and trends. GLM observations will improve local forecasts and warnings of severe weather and air quality, and provide new data for numerical weather prediction and studies of regional climate and climate change. The first part of t ...
Impact of Model Structure and Dynamics - version 2
Impact of Model Structure & Dynamics, part of the "NWP Training Series: Effective Use of NWP in the Forecast Process", explains how a model forecast, and thus interpretation of that forecast, is affected by the basic design of the model. Topics include how meteorological variables are represented in grid point and spectral models, fundamental differences between hydrostatic and nonhydrostatic models, horizontal resolution of orographic and free-atmosphere features, vertical coordinate systems and how they affect the vertical resolution of features in the model forecast, and the forecast impact ...
Operational Use of Wave Watch III
In this webcast, Dr. Hendrik Tolman (NOAA Marine Analysis Branch) discusses the operational use of NOAA WAVEWATCH III. The NOAA WAVEWATCH III is a forecast system that predicts wind-generated ocean waves. Dr. Tolman discusses what WAVEWATCH III can and cannot predict along with the model physics, numerics, and forecast products. Numerous examples illustrate the practical effects of several recent model improvements including high-resolution hurricane winds, surf zone physics, wave partitioning, and use of a multi-grid mosaic. The webcast concludes with a discussion of future improvements plann ...
National Water Model, Part 2: Early Performance
In this lesson the learner will review and interpret data regarding the early performance of the National Water Model (versions 1.0 -1.2). Verification and evaluation of the National Water Model has been occurring since it went operational in August 2016. This lesson will review some of the main issues in model performance through early 2018, including some retrospective verification extending back to 2011. You will see how model performance has been improved as a result of verification. Among the topics addressed are peak flow timing errors, model bias and correlation, the impacts of basin ca ...
NWS JetStream: Online School for Weather
JetStream - An Online School for Weather is a free teaching resource covering a wide variety of weather topics and weather safety. It provides educators, emergency managers, or anyone interested in learning about weather with comprehensive, well-organized, colorfully illustrated curricula. Each section or “module” includes “learning lessons", classroom experiments that use common household items demonstrating various aspects of weather. JetStream is developed and maintained by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service and is not produced, owned or ho ...
Volcanic Ash: Introduction
Provides a concise introduction to volcanic ash through the examples of the Mt. Pinatubo and Eyjafjallajökull eruptions. This is the introduction to a four-part series on Volcanic Ash.
Add tag 
