CIMSS-NOAA Weekly Report [ Archive ]

ASPB AND CIMSS WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE WEEK ENDING JULY 22, 2016

IN THE PRESS:

ITEMS FOR THE ADMINISTRATOR:

ITEMS FOR THE ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR:

ITEMS FOR THE OFFICE DIRECTOR, STAR:

Enterprise Cloud Mask Paper Published: The Remote Sensing Journal published a paper on the performance of the NOAA Enterprise Cloud Mask. The NOAA Enterprise Cloud Mask (ECM) was implemented on the NASA Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and compared to the NASA Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) measurements. Since MODIS has analogous channels as the GOES-R Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) and the JPSS Visible Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS), this analysis was able to demonstrate the performance of the ECM on multiple sensors. This paper provides an important reference for users of the ECM. In addition, the entire AQUA record was processed through the ECM and the paper includes a study of the impact of spectral information on the decadal trends in cloud fraction from the ECM. The first author was Andrew Heidinger and the author list included 5 other scientists from the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS). The reference for the paper is Remote Sens. 2016, 8(6), 511; doi:10.3390/rs8060511. (A. Heidinger, E/RA2, 608-263-6757, andrew.heidinger@noaa.gov)

Training Seminar on Fog/Low Cloud Products: M. Pavolonis conducted a 60-minute training seminar on the fog/low cloud products developed by NOAA/NESDIS/STAR in collaboration with the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS). A total of 8 forecasters from the National Weather Service (NWS) Alaska Region and a forecaster from the United States Air Force participated. The fog/low cloud products, which are derived from a combination of meteorological satellite data and a high-resolution Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) model, have been shown to improve short-term forecasts of cloud ceiling and surface visibility for aviation applications. An independent analysis showed that the NOAA/CIMSS fog/low cloud products have saved the aviation industry millions of dollars over the last few years. These products are in the process of being transitioned to NESDIS operations. (M. Pavolonis, E/RA2, 608-263-9597, Mike.Pavolonis@noaa.gov)

ITEMS FOR THE DIVISION CHIEF, CoRP:

AMS Panel on Sharing Spectrum: On 21 July 2016, Jordan Gerth, of the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS), participated in a panel discussion at the American Meteorological Society (AMS) Summer Community Meeting in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on the implications of sharing spectrum between 1675 and 1680 MHz currently reserved for exclusive government use. Meteorological satellites use the L band for the direct broadcast or rebroadcast of imagery to reception sites across the United States and world. The proposal to share the spectrum threatens the ability of the weather enterprise, including CIMSS, to routinely receive imagery from the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) due to the increased likelihood of interference from shared users. NOAA opposes sharing. (J. Gerth, CIMSS, 608-263-4942)

VISITORS:

CoRP Director Visits CIMSS: Satya Kalluri, the Chief of the STAR Cooperative Research Program (CoRP) Division, visited the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) and the NOAA Advanced Satellite Products Branch (ASPB) July 21-22, 2016. CoRP oversees the NESDIS cooperative institutes. Steve Ackerman, CIMSS Director, gave a presentation on CIMSS history, organization, and research. Wayne Feltz, one of SSEC's Executive Directors, provided information on the status of CIMSS grants. Dr. Kalluri met with ASPB to discuss recent research and plans. (J. Key, E/RA2, 608-263-2605, jkey@ssec.wisc.edu)

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