ASPB and CIMSS Weekly Report
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ASPB AND CIMSS WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE WEEK ENDING OCTOBER 23, 2010

IN THE PRESS:

ITEMS FOR THE ADMINISTRATOR:

ITEMS FOR THE ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR:

ITEMS FOR THE OFFICE DIRECTOR, STAR:

WMO Workshop on Volcanic Ash Dispersion Forecasting and Civil Aviation: M. Pavolonis (NOAA/NESDIS/STAR) attended a workshop on volcanic ash dispersion forecasting at the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland October 18 – 20, 2010. The workshop was dedicated to evaluating the current state of ash dispersion forecast models used at operational and research centers around the world and determining the steps needed to improve volcanic ash dispersion forecasts. The workshop participants agreed that satellite data are critical for improving dispersion forecasts through data assimilation, model validation, and model parameterization development efforts. The volcanic ash products developed by NOAA/NESDIS/STAR and the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) were identified as the primary source of satellite-based ash cloud property information that can be used to improve models. M. Pavolonis gave an invited overview of the STAR/CIMSS volcanic ash products, which included potential model applications. A WMO endorsed workshop report will be created in the coming weeks. (M. Pavolonis, E/RA2, 608-263-9597, Mike.Pavolonis@noaa.gov)

WMO Polar Observations, Research, and Services Panel Meeting: The second meeting of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Executive Council Panel of Experts on Polar Observations, Research, and Services (PORS) was held in Hobart, Tasmania, 18-20 October 2010. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology and the Australian Antarctic Division sponsored and hosted the meeting. The Panel provides guidance in the development of the WMO Strategic Plan, facilitates the acquisition, exchange, and archiving of observational data, and makes recommendations on research and operations related to the polar regions. The Panel has representatives from 17 countries. Jeff Key is one of three U.S. representatives. This meeting focused on three activities: the Global Cryosphere Watch (GCW), the initiation of the Polar Space Task Group, and the development of a polar prediction system concept. (J. Key, E/RA2, 608-263-2605, jkey@ssec.wisc.edu)

ITEMS FOR THE DIVISION CHIEF, CoRP:

SPIE Asia Pacific Remote Sensing Symposium: The SPIE Asia-Pacific Remote Sensing symposium was held 11-14 October 2010 in Incheon, Korea. Jun Li gave an invited talk titled "Using water vapor measurements from hyperspectral IR sounder for tropical cyclone forecast". He also visited Korea Meteorological Satellite Center and gave a seminar titled "Applications of advanced satellite IR sounding measurements in high impact weather nowcasting and short range forecasting". (Jun Li, CIMSS, 608-262-3755, Jun.Li@ssec.wisc.edu)

Satellite-based Aviation Decision Support Presentation at CIRA: A seminar titled "GOES-R Overview of Aviation and Nowcasting Applications Current Status and a Look into Future" was presented by Wayne Feltz on 21 October 2010 at the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA). The presentation focused on satellite-based convective and turbulence applications and navigating successful paths to operation. He also met with Steve Miller (CIRA Deputy Director), Chris Kummerow (CIRA Director), Graeme Stephens (CIRA Director Emeritus), Mark DeMaria (NOAA RAMM Chief), Dan Lindsey (NOAA NESDIS), and the Regional and Mesoscale Meteorology Branch (RAMM) team. Several new areas of collaboration between CIMSS and CIRA were discussed, including coordination of current and future GOES-R Proving Ground testbeds. (Wayne. F. Feltz, CIMSS, 608-265-6283)

CIMSS VISIT Activities and CIMSS Satellite Blog Updates: The Virtual Institute for Satellite Integration Training (VISIT) distance learning module "Interpreting Satellite Signatures" (http://rammb.cira.colostate.edu/visit/sat_signatures.html) was led by S. Lindstrom on October 20, 2010. Staff from the National Weather Service forecast office at Lubbock, Texas participated in the VISIT lesson. In addition, the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) Satellite Blog was updated with Multifunctional Transport Satellites (MTSAT), Morphed Integrated Microwave Imagery at CIMSS (MIMIC), and Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) images of Super Typhoon Megi as it made landfall over the Philippines as a very strong Category 5 tropical cyclone on October 18, 2010 (http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/goes/blog/archives/7000). (S. Lindstrom, CIMSS, 608-263-4425, S. Bachmeier, CIMSS, 608-263-3958)

  (Click image to enlarge)

Figure caption: A Terra MODIS 11.0 µm IR image showing the well-defined eye and surrounding concentric eyewall structure of Super Typhoon Megi as it approached the Philippines on 19 October. The coldest infrared brightness temperature seen at that time was -82º C (purple color enhancement) to the south of the eye.

VISITORS:

CREST student visits CIMSS: The NOAA Cooperative Center for Remote Sensing Science and Technology (CREST) sponsored the visit of Hampton University PhD student Christopher Spells to the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS). CREST sponsors student education and training through research that focuses on all aspects of remote sensing, including sensor development, satellite remote sensing, ground-based field measurements, data processing and analysis, modeling and forecasting. The purpose of Spells' visit was to learn more about remote sensing of tropical cyclones as part of his dissertation research on the interaction of the Saharan Air Layer with Atlantic hurricanes. (C. Velden, CIMSS, 608-262-9168)

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