CIMSS-NOAA Weekly Report [ Archive ]

CIMSS-NOAA WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE WEEK ENDING SEPTEMBER 13, 2024

DATA, INFORMATION, AND USE-INSPIRED SCIENCE:

Deriving Simulated AMVs from Potential SmallSat Missions: A configurable and modular system is in development at the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) to generate 3D atmospheric motion vectors (AMVs) for use in Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) and to aid in making informed decisions for future satellite missions. The AMVs are derived by tracking humidity features on pressure surfaces from model output grids (e.g., a Nature Run (NR)). The next two steps filter the winds based on instrument type and orbit. For instance, to simulate winds from tracking features in hyperspectral IR humidity retrievals, the NR cloud top grid is used to retain only those AMVs that are in clear-sky or above-cloud. The final step discards AMVs that are not viewable from the satellite, using satellite orbit information and instrument scanning characteristics. This system was used to generate AMVs for June and July 2016 with this scenario: Nine low earth orbit (LEO) SmallSats with hyperspectral IR sensors, with each orbit staggered from the previous by 25 minutes. The first figure depicts these nine orbits with equator crossing times ranging from 1150 to 1510 local time. This provides at least 50% swath overlap for each successive triplet for deriving AMVs. The European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) Cubic Octahedral grid Nature Run (ECO1280) was used to generate the AMVs, filter the AMVs based on the cloud-top grid, and then the winds were sampled using the swath overlap and the Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) scanning geometry. An example of the northern hemisphere AMV coverage in a three-hour time window is depicted in the second figure, which indicates that the above configuration using SmallSats with hyperspectral IR sounders will result in daily global 3D winds coverage. (D. Santek, CIMSS, 608-263-7410, T. Olander, CIMSS)

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Figure: Ground tracks from nine polar-orbiting satellites flying in formation with each orbit delayed by 25 minutes from the previous orbit. The central orbit has the typical afternoon equator crossing at 1330 local time.

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Figure: AMVs derived from the ECO1280 in a three-hour time window covering latitudes from the equator to 60N. Yellow AMVs are below 700 hPa; cyan 400-700 hPa; and magenta above 400 hPa.

FUTURE OUTLOOK:

AWARDS AND RECOGNITION:

TRAVEL AND MEETINGS:

Brazilian scientist visit and presentation: A visiting scientist and PhD candidate from Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE), Aurelienne Jorge, visited the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) from April to October in 2024 to work with John Cintineo on adapting the ProbSevere LightningCast model to Brazil. LightningCast is an AI model that uses Advanced Baseline Imager images to predict the probability of lightning in the next hour at any given location. It is being transitioned to NOAA operations. Ms. Jorge gave a presentation to scientists at CIMSS showing good progress by using AI fine-tuning methods to improve the skill of LightningCast predictions over Brazil. Ms. Jorge will seek to transition the model to INPE operations, and investigate if LightningCast output can be used as a predictor for a machine-learning model predicting hail occurrence in Brazil (J. Cintineo, NOAA/OAR/NSSL, J. Sieglaff, CIMSS).

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Figure: A performance analysis for fine-tuned models versus "trained-from-scratch" models as a function of the amount of training samples. The fine-tuning models are more skillful than the trained-from-scratch models for every training sample percentage.

CIMSS participates in JPSS Cryosphere Initiative kickoff meeting: Tom Greenwald (Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies, CIMSS), William Straka (CIMSS), Jeff Key (NOAA), and others participated in the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Cryosphere Initiative kickoff meeting on August 28, 2024. The initiative was originally called the Arctic Initiative but was renamed to expand its scope. Topics of discussion included whether to plan a testbed to test new products, allow scientists to provide feedback on new products, and invite more end-users and stakeholders for their feedback. Three key stakeholders gave presentations at the meeting. (T. Greenwald, CIMSS, 608-263-3629)

TRAINING AND EDUCATION:

CIMSS Provides in-person training at WSO Pago Pago: Scott Lindstrom from the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) spent 6-12 September 2024 visiting the National Weather Service office in Pago Pago, American Samoa. He was there to increase the satellite knowledge of office staff (that is, provide training), and to view office operations as a way to better incorporate satellite information into the forecast process. The visit was at the request of Pacific Region Headquarters. (S. Lindstrom, CIMSS, 608 263 4425)

MEDIA INTERACTIONS AND REQUESTS:

SOCIAL MEDIA AND BLOG Posts:

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OTHER: