Description:

The aim of this session is to highlight innovative observing systems and technologies including, but not limited to, airborne, high altitude balloon, and uncrewed systems technologies, specifically for tropical cyclones (TCs) that are mission-effective, integrated, adaptable, and affordable. There have been rigorous efforts to enhance the quality and quantity of in-situ TC observations in recent decades. In-situ observations, particularly in the tropical cyclone boundary layer (TCBL), not only improve the understanding of the physical processes occurring at the air-sea transition layer, but also serve as critical inputs for operational forecast models. Observations of the upper atmosphere and the surrounding environment also serve as major components to advancing the knowledge and forecasting abilities of these tropical systems. Given that the relative absence of high-resolution TCBL observations limits progress in skillful predictions of TCs, presentations should focus on innovative technologies with the potential to improve the accuracy, reliability, spatial coverage, cost effectiveness, deployability, safety, and sustainability of TCBL and high altitude observations for eventual use by the operational forecast and research TC models. We encourage the submission of presentation abstracts, but do not limit to, highlighting airborne, balloon, and uncrewed systems technologies in relation to TC observing. Satellite-based sensors are not included in the primary scope of this session, only for calibration, validation, or integration with in-situ observations as a secondary objective.