ASPB and CIMSS Weekly Report [ Archive ]

IN THE PRESS:

ITEMS FOR THE ADMINISTRATOR:

ITEMS FOR THE ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR:

ITEMS FOR THE OFFICE DIRECTOR, STAR:

Paper on Satellite-Based Aviation Products Published: A paper by John Mecikalski and co-authors, entitled "Aviation Applications for Satellite-Based Observations of Cloud Properties, Convective Initiation, In-Flight Icing, Turbulence, and Volcanic Ash," was published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (BAMS). The co-authors include Wayne Feltz, Kris Bedka, Sarah Bedka, Tony Wimmers (Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies, CIMSS), and Michael Pavolonis (NOAA/NESDIS/STAR). The article highlights important research efforts aimed at improving aviation safety through the use of satellite-derived products. In addition, content from the article was featured on the cover of the BAMS. (W. Feltz, CIMSS, 608-265-6283, M. Pavolonis, E/RA2, 608-263-9597, Mike.Pavolonis@noaa.gov)

Monitoring Southern California Wildfires with GOES WF_ABBA: Researchers at the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) have been monitoring the historic wildfires in Southern California using the Wildfire Automated Biomass Burning Algorithm (WF_ABBA). By Friday, October 26, nearly 500,000 acres (~780 square miles) were burned and over 1600 homes were destroyed. Such large-scale fires have become increasingly common in Southern California in recent years, two of the more notable cases being the Cedar Fire of October 2003 and the Viejas Wildfire near San Diego in January 2001. The WF_ABBA provides frequent, low latency detections and characterizations of fires such as these, as well as the ability to build composites to show the overall development of the fires. (C. Schmidt, CIMSS, 608-262-7973, J. Brunner, CIMSS, 608-263-3434, E. Prins, CIMSS, 530-271-2256)

  (Click image to enlarge)

Figure caption: Composite of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) Wildfire Automated Biomass Burning Algorithm (WF_ABBA) detected fires over Southern California for 21-27 October 2007.

GOES and MODIS images of the Southern California Fires: A variety of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) and Moderate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) images of the large fire outbreak in southern California were posted on the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) Satellite Blog on October 21 (http://tinyurl.com/25j762), October 22 (http://tinyurl.com/2ego89), and October 23 (http://tinyurl.com/27stlz) 2007. Some of the image examples include GOES visible channel animations showing the smoke transport, a high resolution MODIS true color image of the smoke, and close-up MODIS and GOES shortwave InfraRed (IR) images showing the fire hot spots. (S. Bachmeier, CIMSS, 608-263-3958, L. Gumley, CIMSS, 608-265-5358)

  (Click image to enlarge)

Figure caption: An Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS) image of the MODIS 3.7 micrometer shortwave InfraRed channel, showing the "hot spots" associated with large fires burning in southern California on October 22, 2007.

ITEMS FOR THE DIVISION CHIEF, CoRP:

Other Meetings and Telecons:

None.

VISITORS:

NEXT WEEK:

T. Schmit will give a presentation on “Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) Science/Products Improvements” at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)- EUropean organization for the exploitation of METeorological SATellites (EUMETSAT) Future Geostationary Programs meeting in Suitland, Maryland. Topics to be covered include: GOES 7/8, GOES-12/13 and GOES-R. The presentation is available upon request. The meeting will be October 30. (T. Schmit, E/RA2, 608-263-0291, tim.j.schmit@noaa.gov)

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