Saturday, 5 January 2013
7:30 AM-9:00 AM: Saturday, 5 January 2013
Student Conference Registration
Registration Opens for the Student Conference at the AMS Registration Desk
7:30 AM-10:00 AM: Saturday, 5 January 2013
Registration for Student Conference and Short Course
Location: 4th Street Atrium (Austin Convention Center)
9:00 AM-9:30 AM: Saturday, 5 January 2013
1
Welcoming Remarks and Introductions
Location: Ballroom BC (Austin Convention Center)
Welcoming remarks from the Student Conference Planning Committee Co-Chairs and the American Meteorological Society.
9:30 AM-10:30 AM: Saturday, 5 January 2013
Three presenters will give 15-minute talks regarding the topics of professional development, networking, and career advancement.
10:30 AM-11:30 AM: Saturday, 5 January 2013
Three presenters will give 15-minute presentations on "Hot Topics" in local weather, water, and climate events.
11:30 AM-12:00 PM: Saturday, 5 January 2013
The panel of professionals will each give a brief introduction of who they are/what they do by answering the question, "Why do you you want to talk to me?"
12:00 PM-1:15 PM: Saturday, 5 January 2013
1:15 PM-3:15 PM: Saturday, 5 January 2013
Students will rotate between rooms to speak in small groups with the professionals of their choosing.
3:00 PM-3:30 PM: Saturday, 5 January 2013
AMS Student Chapter Town Hall Meeting
Location: Ballroom BC (Austin Convention Center)
Specifically for AMS Student Chapter Officers, but open to all, attendees will learn tips for organizing and engaging their chapter.
3:15 PM-3:30 PM: Saturday, 5 January 2013
3:30 PM-4:40 PM: Saturday, 5 January 2013
This session will break into 3 groups - Academic Sector, Private Sector, and Public Sector - for two rotations: 3:30 - 4:00 and 4:10 - 4:40. Students may choose two different sectors or attend the same one twice.
4:45 PM-5:15 PM: Saturday, 5 January 2013
Panelists will discuss how the sectors work together and support one another, giving an opportunity for students to ask questions about the similarities and differences between sectors.
5:15 PM-5:30 PM: Saturday, 5 January 2013
5:30 PM-7:30 PM: Saturday, 5 January 2013
Career Fair and Graduate School Reception
Location: Exhibit Hall 3 (Austin Convention Center)
Sunday, 6 January 2013
7:30 AM-9:00 AM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
Registration for Short Course and Conference for Early Career Professionals
Location: 4th Street Atrium (Austin Convention Center)
8:30 AM-9:20 AM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
1
Overview
Location: Room 12A (Austin Convention Center)
overview of the Fukushima incidents
8:30 AM-9:30 AM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
Two high-profile keynote speakers will address the students.
9:00 AM-6:00 PM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
Registration Open for Annual Meeting
Location: 4th Street Atrium (Austin Convention Center)
9:20 AM-10:20 AM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
reverse and ensemble methods
9:30 AM-10:15 AM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
Panelists discuss their experiences and careers in the interdisciplinary earth sciences outside of meteorology.
10:15 AM-11:15 AM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
Three speakers will give 15-minute oral presentations about how their careers incorporate meteorology in a creative way outside of the typical norms of forecasting, research, and academia.
10:20 AM-10:40 AM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
Coffee Break
Location: Room 12A (Austin Convention Center)
10:40 AM-12:00 PM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
measurements
11:15 AM-12:15 PM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
Young professional role models discuss their experiences and careers.
12:00 PM-1:00 PM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
12:00 PM-4:00 PM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
WeatherFest
Location: Exhibit Hall 1 (Austin Convention Center)
12:15 PM-12:30 PM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
Closing Remarks
Location: Ballroom BC (Austin Convention Center)
12:30 PM-5:30 PM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
AMS Short Course on Space Weather.
This course is co-sponsored by UCAR, NASA, NSF and the American Commercial Space Weather Association (ACSWA) with participation from Atmospheric and Environmental Research (AER), Atmospheric and Space Technology Research Associates (ASTRA), Carmel Research Center (CRC), Computational Physics, Inc (CPI), Predictive Science, Inc (PSI), Space Environment Corporation (SEC), and Space Environment Technologies (SET).
1:00 PM-1:15 PM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
1:00 PM-3:00 PM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
mesoscale model simulations
1:15 PM-1:55 PM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
Salary Negotiation, workplace integration, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and establishing an eraly career plan for your professional development.
2:00 PM-2:45 PM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
Suggestions on professional and/or non-technical skills required for success in the workplace, leadership and team member skills, acting as a mentor or mentee, and identifying opportunities for advancement or places you can stand out.
2:00 PM-4:00 PM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
The AMS Energy Committee will lead a mini course.
2:45 PM-3:00 PM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
3:00 PM-3:20 PM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
3:00 PM-3:40 PM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
Current and future activities provided bt the AMS that support the development of early career progessionals, and means of participating in AMS in ways that are beneficial to your early career.
3:00 PM-4:00 PM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
3:20 PM-4:40 PM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
ocean modeling and health effects
3:45 PM-4:45 PM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
Open conversations with early-career, mid-career, and well-established professionals to discuss their paths thus far in their education and career, along with some of their advice as presented by the panel lead.
4:00 PM-5:30 PM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
4:40 PM-5:30 PM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
WMO activities
4:45 PM-5:00 PM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
7:30 PM-8:45 PM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
The impact of weather and climate on energy continues to grow, and with it increases the need for a strategic view on the direction of the global energy market. There is no better person to present this than T. Boone Pickens, an American business magnate and financier, and a Texas oil and gas billionaire. Pickens chairs the hedge fund BP Capital Management. With an estimated current net worth of about $1.4 billion, he is ranked by Forbes as the 328th-richest person in America. Pickens is passionate about the opportunities America must seize to lead global environmental stewardship and leverage our scientific and technological energy capabilities to sustain and enhance our national security and quality of life. This is a session that no one in our community should miss!
9:00 PM-11:00 PM: Sunday, 6 January 2013
Third Annual AMS Reception for Early Career Professionals (Austin Hilton Hotel, Room 408)
Monday, 7 January 2013
7:30 AM-5:30 PM: Monday, 7 January 2013
Registration Continues Through January 9
Location: 4th Street Atrium (Austin Convention Center)
8:30 AM-10:30 AM: Monday, 7 January 2013
9:00 AM-11:00 AM: Monday, 7 January 2013
Spouses' Coffee
Location: Hilton Hotel (Austin Convention Center)
10:30 AM-11:00 AM: Monday, 7 January 2013
Coffee Break
Location: Ballroom D Foyer (Austin Convention Center)
Coffee Break - Sponsored by Ball Aerospace
Location: Room 16B (Austin Convention Center)
11:00 AM-11:15 AM: Monday, 7 January 2013
1
Welcome
Location: Room 17A (Austin Convention Center)
11:00 AM-12:00 PM: Monday, 7 January 2013
11:00 AM-12:15 PM: Monday, 7 January 2013
11:15 AM-12:00 PM: Monday, 7 January 2013
12:00 PM-1:30 PM: Monday, 7 January 2013
12:15 PM-1:15 PM: Monday, 7 January 2013
Town Hall Meeting: Assessment of Pre-Operational Data from the Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) Instrument on Suomi-NPP- User’s Experience
Location: Room 18B (Austin Convention Center)
Launched on Oct. 28, 2011, the Visible/Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) ushered in a new generation of space-based weather monitoring technology as the primary data instrument on NOAA’s Suomi-NPP satellite. VIIRS has now provided more than a year’s worth of data, and its promise of improved ability to track global storm patterns, ocean color changes, surface temperatures and other natural phenomenon key to our understanding of Earth’s climate seems to have been fulfilled. This session brings together forecasters, meteorologists and other end users to discuss how they are utilizing the new VIIRS data stream and the critical role it can play in improving emergency preparedness and disaster response efforts in the future. VIIRS’ 22 visible and infrared bands support the acquisition of high-resolution imagery over a very broad 3,000 km swath for a variety of applied data products, including civilian night-time visible imaging for the first time. Learn how this groundbreaking instrument can change the way we forecast weather.
Town Hall Meeting: DOE Priorities on Community Modeling and Long-Term Predictions of the Integrated Water Cycle
Location: Room 14 (Austin Convention Center)
The overarching mission of the Climate and Environmental Sciences Division within the U.S. Department of Energy is to advance a robust predictive understanding of Earth’s climate and environmental systems, including the interactions of human and natural systems and the implications for energy systems. A rapidly growing area of research interest at DOE is the integrated regional water cycle encompassing atmospheric, ground, and surface water; projected energy and other human and natural demands under future possible climate states; and land-use and hydro-climate feedbacks. This town hall will serve as a means for discussing DOE’s research priorities on the regional integrated water cycle.
For additional information, please contact Patrick Horan (e-mail: patrick.horan@science.doe.gov).
Town Hall Meeting: Free and Open Sharing of Environmental Data
Location: Room 13AB (Austin Convention Center)
Rapid advances in computing, communications, and observational technologies in the last decade have resulted in a dramatic proliferation of data from diverse sources, data that are consumed and by an ever broadening community of users and shared across the world for myriad applications. As a result of the changing information technology landscape, there has been a revolution in the data services that are provided, including changes in how data are accessed, analyzed, managed, shared, and archived. The 2002 AMS Statement on Free and Open Exchange of Environmental Data does not reflect many of the recent advances and needs to be revised. For example, concepts such as data transparency, re-use, provenance, stewardship, preservation, citation, standards and conventions are not mentioned. At its September 2012 meeting, the AMS Council approved the proposal for the revision of the Policy Statement on Free and Open Exchange of Environmental Data. The purpose of this town hall is to seek input for that revision from the members in attendance at the AMS Annual Meeting.
For additional information, please contact Mohan Ramamurthy (mohan@ucar.edu).
Town Hall Meeting: Improving Forecasts and Warnings Through Social Science Partnerships
Location: Room 11AB (Austin Convention Center)
An important goal of weather forecasting is to communicate useful information that enhances a person’s decision-making to reduce the risk of loss of life and property. All individuals are affected by weather and, thus, weather forecasts, but how does the public respond to predictions issued by meteorologists and how can the meteorological community better communicate impending impacts during significant weather events? In order to realize the potential benefits associated with improved weather prediction, understanding how individuals and socioeconomic sectors use different types of weather information is essential.
The AMS Board for Operational Government Meteorologists and AMS Board on Societal Impacts is co-sponsoring this Town Hall Meeting to explore the human dimension of forecast products. In particular the partnership of the meteorological and social science communities will be stressed through discussion of initiatives and success stories in the application of social science within various meteorological sectors. The Town Hall will foster exchange of established best practices in the social sciences with the practical challenges in the meteorological community. Members of the meteorological and social science communities who have forged an active partnership will serve as panelist, and will be available to share best practices from their experiences via a question and answer period.
For additional information, please contact Amy Godsey (Amy.Godsey@em.myflorida.com), David Novak (David.Novak@noaa.gov), or Sheldon Drobot (drobot@rap.ucar.edu).
Town Hall Meeting: Toward a U.S. Weather Commission: Protecting Lives, Livelihoods and the American Economy
Location: Room 18C (Austin Convention Center)
Recent high impact weather events, ongoing community dialogue, conclusions drawn from last summer's AMS community meeting, and the recently released National Academy of Sciences report, Weather Services for the Nation: Becoming Second to None, have all highlighted the need to assess the current state of our national weather enterprise and for stronger, more effective, advocacy on behalf of that enterprise. Even with the tremendous improvements of the last three decades, high impact weather events such as Hurricane Sandy and the 2011 tornadoes remain a major national concern. In addition, we currently face serious observing gaps and other challenges that put much of that progress at risk. However, given the correct priorities, we are perched on new discoveries and enhancements that will better protect lives and the nation’s economy even as high impact weather becomes more frequent. This panel presentation and audience discussion will address the future of the national weather enterprise, and in particular, will focus on the call for the creation of the first U.S. Weather Commission. Such a Commission could help sort top-level priorities, identify opportunities in a challenging time, and enhance our message to Congress and the Executive Branch. In a time of tightening federal funding and political gridlock, such a commission could be a voice for advocacy, informing elected officials and the public of the value of our community to this country. Recognizing that our country faces some difficult decisions in the months and years ahead, the commission approach provides a very natural and transparent venue to establish where we go next and what is most important to the nation. The purpose of this Town Hall Meeting, sponsored by the Weather Coalition and by the nation’s universities through UCAR, is to gather input on this important topic from the weather community via a conversation with participants from the private, academic, and public sectors. We seek your opinions and strongly encourage your participation at this early point in the effort.
For additional information, please contact Pam Emch (e-mail: pam.emch@ngc.com).
Town Hall Meeting: Why Python is the Next Wave in Earth Sciences Computing
Location: Room 12B (Austin Convention Center)
What is Python? Perhaps you've heard about this modern, open-source programming language but are wondering what it's all about and how does it relate to the atmospheric and oceanic sciences (AOS). If so, this Town Hall meeting is for you! At this meeting, we'll describe what Python can do for AOS users and have a time where you can ask questions about implementing and supporting Python for AOS modeling and analysis. While anyone interested in learning about Python is welcome, the Town Hall meeting will be geared for non-programmers and decision-makers and will focus on how Python can help your institution be more productive.
For additional information, please contact Johnny Lin (e-mail: jlin@northpark.edu).
1:30 PM-2:30 PM: Monday, 7 January 2013
The session will focus on precipitation measurement/estimation with a eye on historical, high resolution, gridded, hourly, daily and subdaily precipitation (re-)analysis. Recently, significant research interest has focused on multi-sensor (gauge-radar-satellite-model) fusion procedures for hi-resolution regional precipitation We are hoping to continue discussions on: (1) the current status of precipitation data set development; (2) the current and future requirements for the data sets; (3) how to produce precipitation products that serve the research community while benefiting operations and service activities; (4) demonstrate successful uses of these products; and (5) describe multi-sensor data fusion processes. Contacts: Pingping Xie (pingping.xie@noaa.gov), Thomas Adams (thomas.adams@noaa.gov).
Key words: 'European', 'Worldwide', 'World Meteorological Organization', 'WMO', 'multi-national', 'Visualization', 'Forecast Services and Products' and 'Data Management'
This session invites papers that focus on scientific and operational, practical issues related to predicting and defining drought and reducing drought impacts. Topics of interest include the formulation and use of drought indices and definitions, and the characterization of drought impacts across the diverse climates of North America and the world. In particular, we welcome presentations spanning a range from drought analysis and prediction to management activities for high-impact drought events, on statewide to continental scales, and including applications such as drought early warning systems. Policy responses for managing drought are also of interest. Contact: Christa Peters-Lidard (christa.d.peters-lidard@nasa.gov)
Focus of Session:
There are many open questions in characterizing the interaction of the ocean, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and land surface, especially at their interface in coastal regions. Characterizing these interactions in the coastal environment remains highly uncertain due to fine temporal and spatial scale interactions among the physical, biochemical, hydrological and land processes, calling for an interdisciplinary approach in observational, data assimilation and modeling studies. While observations provide insight into current and past trends and variability, regional coastal modeling and data assimilation fills the gap between global models and the growing demand for reliable information and predictions at much more highly resolved scales in the coastal environment.
This session will focus on the critical importance of accurately coupling the atmosphere, ocean, hydrosphere and land surface for modeling, research and operational prediction, with an emphasis on the essential importance of satellite-derived data for monitoring, modeling and data assimilation. Studies are encouraged that include efforts for the coupling of oceanic, atmospheric, hydrologic and land surface models from global and basin scales to regional coastal scales. We encourage observational papers addressing the variability and trends in the coastal environment. We also emphasize the development of tools for assessing uncertainty estimates of the predictions at coastal scales.
Partnering Conferences: 11th Symposium on the Coastal Environment (CE); the 17th Conference on Integrating Observing and Assimilation Systems for the Atmosphere, Ocean and Land Surface (IOAS-AOLS); and Satellite Meteorology, Oceanography and Climatology (SMOC)
Lead Conference: 11th Symposium on the Coastal Environment
Format of session:
Invited papers __X__
Submitted papers __X__
Panel discussion ___
Contacts:
11th Symposium on the Coastal Environment: Frank Aikman, NOAA/NOS, frank.aikman@noaa.gov; 17th Conference on Integrating Observing and Assimilation Systems for the Atmosphere, Ocean and Land Surface, Ken Carey (Earth Resources Technology (ERT), Inc.), ken.carey@ertcorp.com; Satellite Meteorology, Oceanography and Climatology, Philip Ardanuy (Raytheon) Philip_E_Ardanuy@raytheon.com
1:45 PM-2:30 PM: Monday, 7 January 2013
2:30 PM-4:00 PM: Monday, 7 January 2013
Formal Poster Viewing with Coffee Break
Location: Exhibit Hall 3 (Austin Convention Center)
4:00 PM-5:15 PM: Monday, 7 January 2013
4:00 PM-5:30 PM: Monday, 7 January 2013
Focus of Session:
This Session will be an invited panel of experts addressing the question, “How can we improve the research-to-operations transition process?” The panel members will give their perspective on transitioning successful research to successful operational use and they will discuss the central role R2O plays in addressing this year’s annual theme. Panel members will be prepared to discuss the challenges to R2O, and the potential means to overcome them, including the following topics:
• Science mission requirements versus operational user needs;
• Adequate and timely funding for research that is targeted to meet operational needs, the transition, and operational sustainment;
• The lag between deploying research and full user exploitation;
• Challenges in communicating the benefits of new capabilities to user communities, including the public, government policy makers, commercial industry, and the military.
The high economic and social value of our ability to observe and accurately predict atmospheric and ocean conditions requires strong relationships between the academic, Government, and industrial communities to effectively and efficiently transfer research results to the operational environment. Partnerships and collaboration will result in clear articulation of operational needs, and joint efforts to secure research funding and procurement of necessary operational systems. Researcher accessibility and insight into the operations environment and data for development, test, and evaluation, coupled with an operational workforce that embraces and pursues research opportunities, will facilitate collaboration between the two communities. Such a partnership will accelerate transitions of research to operations, while simultaneously ensuring the transfer of operations knowledge back to research (O2R). This R2O – O2R relationship will improve the balance between operational needs, research initiatives, and transfer of results into systems, technology, methods, processes, and procedures that enhance our ability to serve the public.
The session will focus on precipitation measurement/estimation with a eye on historical, high resolution, gridded, hourly, daily and subdaily precipitation (re-)analysis. Recently, significant research interest has focused on multi-sensor (gauge-radar-satellite-model) fusion procedures for hi-resolution regional precipitation We are hoping to continue discussions on: (1) the current status of precipitation data set development; (2) the current and future requirements for the data sets; (3) how to produce precipitation products that serve the research community while benefiting operations and service activities; (4) demonstrate successful uses of these products; and (5) describe multi-sensor data fusion processes. Contacts: Pingping Xie (pingping.xie@noaa.gov), Thomas Adams (thomas.adams@noaa.gov).
Key words: 'Volcanic Ash', 'Volcanic Eruption', 'Tsunami', 'Ash Plumes', 'Volcanic Ash Clouds', 'Particle Size', 'Re-suspension of Ash', 'Eyjafjallajökull', 'Volcanic Ash Dispersion', 'Cordon Caulle', 'IAVWOPSG' and 'IVATF'
This session invites papers that focus on scientific and operational, practical issues related to predicting and defining drought and reducing drought impacts. Topics of interest include the formulation and use of drought indices and definitions, and the characterization of drought impacts across the diverse climates of North America and the world. In particular, we welcome presentations spanning a range from drought analysis and prediction to management activities for high-impact drought events, on statewide to continental scales, and including applications such as drought early warning systems. Policy responses for managing drought are also of interest. Contact: Christa Peters-Lidard (christa.d.peters-lidard@nasa.gov)
Focus of Session:
There are many open questions in characterizing the interaction of the ocean, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and land surface, especially at their interface in coastal regions. Characterizing these interactions in the coastal environment remains highly uncertain due to fine temporal and spatial scale interactions among the physical, biochemical, hydrological and land processes, calling for an interdisciplinary approach in observational, data assimilation and modeling studies. While observations provide insight into current and past trends and variability, regional coastal modeling and data assimilation fills the gap between global models and the growing demand for reliable information and predictions at much more highly resolved scales in the coastal environment.
This session will focus on the critical importance of accurately coupling the atmosphere, ocean, hydrosphere and land surface for modeling, research and operational prediction, with an emphasis on the essential importance of satellite-derived data for monitoring, modeling and data assimilation. Studies are encouraged that include efforts for the coupling of oceanic, atmospheric, hydrologic and land surface models from global and basin scales to regional coastal scales. We encourage observational papers addressing the variability and trends in the coastal environment. We also emphasize the development of tools for assessing uncertainty estimates of the predictions at coastal scales.
Partnering Conferences: 11th Symposium on the Coastal Environment (CE); the 17th Conference on Integrating Observing and Assimilation Systems for the Atmosphere, Ocean and Land Surface (IOAS-AOLS); and Satellite Meteorology, Oceanography and Climatology (SMOC)
Lead Conference: 11th Symposium on the Coastal Environment
Format of session:
Invited papers __X__
Submitted papers __X__
Panel discussion ___
Contacts:
11th Symposium on the Coastal Environment: Frank Aikman, NOAA/NOS, frank.aikman@noaa.gov; 17th Conference on Integrating Observing and Assimilation Systems for the Atmosphere, Ocean and Land Surface, Ken Carey (Noblis), kenneth.carey@noblis.org; Satellite Meteorology, Oceanography and Climatology, Philip Ardanuy (Raytheon) Philip_E_Ardanuy@raytheon.com
4:00 PM-5:45 PM: Monday, 7 January 2013
5:30 PM-7:30 PM: Monday, 7 January 2013
Reception and Exhibits Opening
Location: Exhibit Hall 4 (Austin Convention Center)
6:30 PM-8:00 PM: Monday, 7 January 2013
Town Hall Meeting: “Keeping the Lights On: Is the Current State of Weather Communications and Forecasts Powerful Enough?”
Location: Room 14 (Austin Convention Center)
The nation’s electric grid, which is comprised of electricity generation, transmission and distribution, is one of the more stable in the world, however, it is not without its’ challenges. One of the largest challenges for the nation’s grid is weather variability and predictability. The questions this Town Hall Meeting will address are broadly: 1) What is the current state of weather data and forecasts 2) How are they being integrated across the system and 3) What is expected to be provided by the meteorological community, including research, government agencies, private commercial weather services and in-house meteorologists over the next decade. Some of the topics that will be discussed are:
•Wind and solar integration
•Emergency Preparedness/Storm-following ◦Outages relating to weather events i.e. extreme temperatures, fires, hurricanes, severe weather, drought, floods, etc.
•Load balancing
•Demand response and smart metering
•Outage modeling (emergency crew placement)
•Weather integration into decision support systems
This Town Hall Meeting is held in conjunction with the AMS Energy Committee and the AMS Renewable Energy Sub-committees’ Fourth Conference on Weather, Climate and the New Energy Economy.
Immediately following this Town Hall Meeting, joins us for an "Energizing" Happy Hour reception. Kick off the night's activities with snacks and drinks. Full details on the reception will be posted at the town hall meeting.
For additional information, please contact Stephen Bennett (stephen.bennett@earthrisktech.com), Heidi Centola (Heidi.Centola@cmegroup.com), Julie Lundquist (Julie.Lundquist@colorado.edu), Melinda Marquis (Melinda.Marquis@noaa.gov), Manda Adams (Manda.Adams@uncc.edu), or Kevin Stenson (kevin.stenson@meteogroup.com).
7:30 PM-9:30 PM: Monday, 7 January 2013
Town Hall Meeting: Hurricane and Post-Tropical Cyclone Sandy: Predictions, Warnings, Societal Impacts and Response
Location: Ballroom E (Austin Convention Center)
This Town Hall Meeting will look at the weather related societal impacts caused by Hurricane and Post-Tropical Cyclone Sandy. The invited speakers will discuss storm evolution and prediction; the emerging research topics that are resulting from this event, how information regarding the storm was communicated to the public through broadcast and social media; how lives, property and infrastructure were impacted; and how the local, state and federal communities prepared to and responded to the storm.
Guest presenters include: Louis Ucellini, NOAA/NWS/National Centers for Environmental Prediction, “Introduction to Sandy and the Major Impacts’”; Richard Knabb, NOAA/NWS/National Hurricane Center, “Hurricane Sandy: Hurricane Wind and Storm Surge Impacts.”; David Novak, NOAA/NWS/Hydrometeorological Prediction Center, “Post-Tropical Cyclone: Rain, Snow and Inland Wind Impacts,”; Mel Shapiro, UCAR, “Emerging Research Issues Due to Sandy,”; Bryan Norcross, The Weather Channel, “Communicating the Threat to the Public through Broadcast Media,”; Jason Samenow and Andrew Freedman, Capital Weather Gang/The Washington Post/Climate Central, “Following the Storm through Social Media.”; and Eric Holthaus, The Wall Street Journal, “Storm Response in New York and New Jersey.” A Q&A Session is being planned, please bring your questions regarding this event, written on paper. Moderators will collect them and have them ready for the panel at 915 pm.
This Town Hall will be a launch point for the many discussions, research and presentations that will occur at the 2014 Annual Meeting in Atlanta, GA. The theme for that conference, “ Extreme Weather – Climate and the Built Environment: New Perspectives, Opportunities and Tools” was developed well before Sandy hit, but perfectly encompasses the many aspects of what occurred with Hurricane/Post-Tropical Storm Sandy.
For additional information, please contact Tanja Fransen (tanja.fransen@noaa.gov), Randy Peppler (rpeppler@ou.edu) or Kim Klockow (kklockow@ou.edu).
Tuesday, 8 January 2013
8:15 AM-9:45 AM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
8:30 AM-9:30 AM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
8:30 AM-9:45 AM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Several processes occur between the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) and the ocean surface; these processes mediate the exchange of momentum, heat and gas, with important environmental and/or climate impacts, especially in coastal zones. Islands and mountainous coastal regions perturb the atmospheric (orographic) flows inducing strong impacts to the ocean surface. Such regions function as ideal hot-spots to study the coupled system, bringing together atmosphere and ocean scientists alike. On the other hand, extreme weather events such as hurricanes have also been used as case studies to further explore the air-sea coupling system. In this session, we propose to discuss studies, which contribute to improve our understanding of the dynamics occurring at the interface between the sea surface and the ABL on short timescales (less than a week), including observations, numerical modeling and/or laboratory studies. To further improve the current state-of-the-art, we encourage the discussion of studies emphasizing two-way coupling and feedback mechanisms, which contribute to the improvement of monitoring and forecasting systems. Our session particularly encourages efforts using pre-operational and operational two-way coupled modeling tools such as COAMPS - and the challenges and opportunities these systems present.
New or updated conceptual models of seeding winter orographic storms and convective clouds; Evaluation techniques and analysis of seeding programs.
This session includes a Global Overview of the Weather and Impacts of 2012, as well as specific events that occurred outside of the United States.
JCSDA Stakeholders from NOAA (NESDIS, NWS, OAR); NASA Earth Science; and DoD Meteorology and Oceanography Commands (Air Force Weather and Naval Oceanographer) will each speak for 10 minutes on the benefits of JCSDA on their respective missions
This session invites papers that focus on scientific and operational, practical issues related to predicting and defining drought and reducing drought impacts. Topics of interest include the formulation and use of drought indices and definitions, and the characterization of drought impacts across the diverse climates of North America and the world. In particular, we welcome presentations spanning a range from drought analysis and prediction to management activities for high-impact drought events, on statewide to continental scales, and including applications such as drought early warning systems. Policy responses for managing drought are also of interest. Contact: Christa Peters-Lidard (christa.d.peters-lidard@nasa.gov)
We seek contributions from the research, operational and stakeholder or user communities on recent advances in science and practice of weather and climate analysis and prediction, hydrologic forecasting, and uncertainty-based approaches to support applications in water and watershed management. Water management concerns may include single or multi-sectoral efforts toward improving decisions regarding energy, flood or drought mitigation, agriculture, navigation and recreation, transboundary efforts or initiatives, and other resources management challenges. We welcome papers focusing on work across the spectrum of time (hourly to seasonal and interannual) and space scales (local to global), and presentations that highlight new theory, methods or findings from case studies. Contacts: Larry Brazil (Larry.Brazil@riverside.com), Andy Wood (Andy.Wood@noaa.gov)
9:00 AM-9:45 AM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
9:00 AM-11:00 AM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Spouses' Coffee
Location: Hilton Hotel (Austin Convention Center)
9:30 AM-9:45 AM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
9:45 AM-11:00 AM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Formal Poster Viewing with Coffee Break
Location: Exhibit Hall 3 (Austin Convention Center)
11:00 AM-11:30 AM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
11:00 AM-11:45 AM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
4
Webservices
Location: Room 12B (Austin Convention Center)
11:00 AM-12:00 PM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Several processes occur between the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) and the ocean surface; these processes mediate the exchange of momentum, heat and gas, with important environmental and/or climate impacts, especially in coastal zones. Islands and mountainous coastal regions perturb the atmospheric (orographic) flows inducing strong impacts to the ocean surface. Such regions function as ideal hot-spots to study the coupled system, bringing together atmosphere and ocean scientists alike. On the other hand, extreme weather events such as hurricanes have also been used as case studies to further explore the air-sea coupling system. In this session, we propose to discuss studies, which contribute to improve our understanding of the dynamics occurring at the interface between the sea surface and the ABL on short timescales (less than a week), including observations, numerical modeling and/or laboratory studies. To further improve the current state-of-the-art, we encourage the discussion of studies emphasizing two-way coupling and feedback mechanisms, which contribute to the improvement of monitoring and forecasting systems. Our session particularly encourages efforts using pre-operational and operational two-way coupled modeling tools such as COAMPS - and the challenges and opportunities these systems present.
This session will cover the record setting severe weather event in Hawaii, as well as the April 2012 Derecho event that impacted a large majority of the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic region.
Advances in the estimation of evapotranspiration (ET) and atmospheric evaporative demand (Eo) are made across a broad range of scales and techniques, from in-situ observations to remote sensing and modeling. Specific topics for this session might include:
• estimating ET from various perspectives: remote sensing platforms, ground-based point observations and parameterizations, plant-based experimentation, and water budgets; operational ET estimation; land surface-atmosphere feedbacks; future remote sensing missions and needs for ET; Eo as an input to operational LSMs to derive ET, schedule crop irrigation, and as a metric of hydroclimatic trends and variability.
Contact(s): Mike Hobbins (Mike.Hobbins@noaa.gov) and Martha Anderson (Martha.Anderson@ars.usda.gov)
The session will focus on precipitation measurement/estimation with a eye on historical, high resolution, gridded, hourly, daily and subdaily precipitation (re-)analysis. Recently, significant research interest has focused on multi-sensor (gauge-radar-satellite-model) fusion procedures for hi-resolution regional precipitation We are hoping to continue discussions on: (1) the current status of precipitation data set development; (2) the current and future requirements for the data sets; (3) how to produce precipitation products that serve the research community while benefiting operations and service activities; (4) demonstrate successful uses of these products; and (5) describe multi-sensor data fusion processes. Contacts: Pingping Xie (pingping.xie@noaa.gov), Thomas Adams (thomas.adams@noaa.gov).
11:30 AM-12:00 PM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
12:00 PM-1:30 PM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
12:15 PM-1:00 PM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Town Hall Meeting: The Role of Satellite Data in Environmental Prediction and the Challenges for the Satellite Programs in Todays Fiscal Climate
Location: Ballroom A (Austin Convention Center)
Environmental prediction systems such as numerical weather prediction increasingly depend on satellite data for forecast skill. Recently the satellite programs have come under increased scrutiny due to their relatively high cost combined with the general budget pressure facing the federal agencies. The purpose of this town hall meeting is to highlight the need for agencies such as NOAA to continue to optimize their observing systems – both conventional and space-based – thereby maximizing the benefit to the users while minimizing the cost, and to discuss how quantitative assessment methods applied by organizations like the Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation can help with this process by vetting requirements and documenting the impact.
For additional information, please contact Lars Peter Riishojgaard (Lars.P.Riishojgaard@nasa.gov)
12:15 PM-1:15 PM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Inside AMS Publications: Hot Topics
Location: Room 10A (Austin Convention Center)
Town Hall Meeting: A Dialogue On Spirituality and the Atmospheric Sciences
Location: Room 11AB (Austin Convention Center)
This is an open forum for the AMS membership to learn about and discuss the potential for a dialogue between people of science and people of spirituality and faith. It is also the opportunity for members of AMS to express how they may personally see the roles of science and faith in their own lives. In October 2011, the United Nations Subcommittee on Spirituality, Values and Global Concerns held a forum to discuss the future role of spirituality to promote environment and ecological concerns. People of science were invited to help educate religious communities and organizations about the future of the planet. Eco-ministry is now are growing field in spiritual organizations. What will be the role of AMS in this dialogue? How can AMS help educate people of faith about the state of the environment? How do we feel about our individual spirituality when we come to AMS meetings? The facilitator for this discussion is Tim Miner OUnI. Tim is a retired Colonel, USAFR, who served as the Senior Reserve Officer in the USAF Weather Program and is currently on the AMS ARAM Committee. He is also currently a Captain for American Airlines on the Boeing 737 aircraft, and he is ordained clergy serving as a volunteer chaplain.
For more information, please contact Timothy Miner (e-mail: thminer@aol.com, tel: 571-212-0804).
Town Hall Meeting: DOE’s investment strategy for Human and Societal Dimensions of Global Change
Location: Room 12A (Austin Convention Center)
DOE’s climate research investments focus on advancing predictability and projections using community models. During recent years, a major priority has been to develop the human component within an integrated climate and earth system modeling framework, one that combines economics, technology, land use, and climate change. During the Town Hall, DOE will describe its recent investments and success stories. Furthermore, DOE intends to use the Town Hall as a means for community engagement to discuss future strategies and priorities.
For additional information, please contact Patrick Horan (patrick.horan@science.doe.gov).
Town Hall Meeting: Early Successes from the Suomi NPP Mission
Location: Ballroom G (Austin Convention Center)
The United States inaugurated a new era in environmental satellite monitoring capability with the launch of the Suomi-National Polar-orbiting Partnership (S-NPP) satellite on 28 October 2011. S-NPP provides risk reduction for new and improved sensors, data retrieval algorithms, and ground system technologies for NOAA’s Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) whose first launch is scheduled for 2017. In preparation for NPP and JPSS, NOAA has developed new and improved data applications that can fully exploit the new capabilities of these satellites. During this Town Hall you will have the opportunity to learn how several of these new applications have already been successfully demonstrated and to better understand the impacts of their improved performance.
For additional information, please contact Gary McWilliams (gary.mcwilliams@noaa.gov), 240-684-0597(office).
Town Hall Meeting: The next NCAR Strategic Plan
Location: Room 12B (Austin Convention Center)
The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) is soliciting community input to revisions of the 5-year strategic plan. This Town Hall is an opportunity for members of the atmospheric sciences and meteorological communities to help identity NCAR’s future high-priority science and research areas. Public input is being sought now to ensure a broad range of views and perspectives will be considered and incorporated from the earliest planning stages. This open forum is one in a series being conducted over the next few months with various stakeholders.
For reference, the current strategic plan, 2009-2014, can be accessed online at: http://ncar.ucar.edu/documents/strategic-plan/2009
For additional information, please contact Greg Guibert (e-mail: Guibert@ucar.edu).
1:30 PM-2:00 PM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Several processes occur between the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) and the ocean surface; these processes mediate the exchange of momentum, heat and gas, with important environmental and/or climate impacts, especially in coastal zones. Islands and mountainous coastal regions perturb the atmospheric (orographic) flows inducing strong impacts to the ocean surface. Such regions function as ideal hot-spots to study the coupled system, bringing together atmosphere and ocean scientists alike. On the other hand, extreme weather events such as hurricanes have also been used as case studies to further explore the air-sea coupling system. In this session, we propose to discuss studies, which contribute to improve our understanding of the dynamics occurring at the interface between the sea surface and the ABL on short timescales (less than a week), including observations, numerical modeling and/or laboratory studies. To further improve the current state-of-the-art, we encourage the discussion of studies emphasizing two-way coupling and feedback mechanisms, which contribute to the improvement of monitoring and forecasting systems. Our session particularly encourages efforts using pre-operational and operational two-way coupled modeling tools such as COAMPS - and the challenges and opportunities these systems present.
1:30 PM-3:00 PM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
This session highlights advances in development and applications of
land data assimilation systems (LDAS), which merge ground- or
satellite-based land surface observations with estimates from coupled
or “off-line” land surface models, and can be used to initialize
weather and seasonal climate forecasts, monitor and predict extreme
events, provide improved background information for atmospheric data
assimilation, improve process understanding, and support model
development. Contributions may include studies that evaluate or improve land DA
methods, assess LDAS impact on state estimates, or use LDAS for the
above-mentioned applications. Contributions may address the
simultaneous assimilation of multiple observation types, and use of
current and planned hydrology satellite missions (e.g. SMOS, SMAP and
SWOT). Contact(s): Mike Ek (Michael.Ek@noaa.gov), Youlong Xia (Youlong.Xia@noaa.gov), Rolf Reichle (Rolf.Reichle@nasa.gov), and Susan Steele-Dunne (s.c.steele-dunne@tudelft.nl)
The Commission on the Weather and Climate Enterprise and the Board and Women and Minorities has partnered to host a panel discussion with women leaders across the enterprise.
This session reviews the 2012 fire season in the United States, review the Waldo Canyon Fire, the Bastrop Fire and the impacts of the ongoing drought in Texas.
changed from General Aspects of Climate Variability and Change
We seek contributions from the research, operational and stakeholder or user communities on recent advances in science and practice of weather and climate analysis and prediction, hydrologic forecasting, and uncertainty-based approaches to support applications in water and watershed management. Water management concerns may include single or multi-sectoral efforts toward improving decisions regarding energy, flood or drought mitigation, agriculture, navigation and recreation, transboundary efforts or initiatives, and other resources management challenges. We welcome papers focusing on work across the spectrum of time (hourly to seasonal and interannual) and space scales (local to global), and presentations that highlight new theory, methods or findings from case studies.
1:30 PM-3:30 PM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
A panel discussion that focuses on the overall symposium theme, with past winners of the AMS teaching award.
2:00 PM-3:00 PM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
3:00 PM-3:30 PM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Coffee Break
Location: Exhibit Hall 4 (Austin Convention Center)
Meet the President
Location: Room 1 (Austin Convention Center)
3:30 PM-4:30 PM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
3:30 PM-5:00 PM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
3:30 PM-5:15 PM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
3:30 PM-5:30 PM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Physical interactions between the ocean, atmosphere, and hydrosphere in the coastal zone are the subject of many open questions that are being addressed by ocean modelers. Characterizing these interactions at the air-sea-land interfaces remains highly uncertain due to limited observations, complex physics, and fine temporal and spatial scale interactions among the physical processes. While observations provide some insight into present and past trends and variability, regional coastal ocean modeling is attempting to fill the gap between global models and the beach. There is a growing demand from many quarters for reliable information and predictions at highly resolved scales in the multidisciplinary coastal environment.
This session will focus on forecast systems being applied in the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone It will include operational, pre-operational and transition model-based forecast systems. Presentations on atmosphere-ocean-wave model coupling, global (or basin scale) ocean model coupling to regional scale models, and coastal ocean-hydrologic model coupling are welcome. Papers addressing uncertainty estimates of the predictions at coastal scales are also welcome. Contributions from operational or quasi-operational groups that are providing ocean modeling support are encouraged, as are presentations that address approaches, innovations, issues and user support.
This session looks at some of the major weather events in the United States from the past year. The focus is on what the impacts were of the event(s) which could include, but is not limited to:
How did they compare in relationship to past events?
What were the economic losses of the event?
What was the human toll of the event?
What preparedness and or mitigation activities were done prior to the event?
Were there new communication tools utilized?
Advances in the estimation of evapotranspiration (ET) and atmospheric evaporative demand (Eo) are made across a broad range of scales and techniques, from in-situ observations to remote sensing and modeling. Specific topics for this session might include:
• estimating ET from various perspectives: remote sensing platforms, ground-based point observations and parameterizations, plant-based experimentation, and water budgets; operational ET estimation; land surface-atmosphere feedbacks; future remote sensing missions and needs for ET; Eo as an input to operational LSMs to derive ET, schedule crop irrigation, and as a metric of hydroclimatic trends and variability.
Contact(s): Mike Hobbins (Mike.Hobbins@noaa.gov) and Martha Anderson (Martha.Anderson@ars.usda.gov)
We invite contributions describing the advances in model benchmarking, evaluation and verification for land surface model and data assimilation simulations and systems including: (1) Challenges and issues of land surface model benchmarking, availability and accuracy of observational datasets, (2) The use of novel, standardized model benchmarking, identification and verification metrics and tools, (3) The use of techniques and metrics beyond the traditional deterministic approaches (such as ensemble diagnostics, probabilistic verification measures), (4) The use of model identification measures to differentiate the performance of different models, (4) multi-model and ensemble diagnostics to characterize predictive uncertainties. In particular, we seek contributions that lead towards the definition and refinement of standardized measures of model performance for the land surface community. Contact: Sujay Kumar (sujay.v.kumar@nasa.gov)
3:30 PM-5:45 PM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
4:30 PM-5:30 PM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
5:30 PM-6:30 PM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
6:00 PM-7:00 PM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Town Hall Meeting: NASA Earth Science Division (ESD)
Location: Ballroom A (Austin Convention Center)
This Town Hall session will provide an opportunity for the earth science community to interact with members of the leadership team and staff of the Earth Science Division (ESD) of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate. Brief presentations by the ESD leadership will precede a longer opportunity for audience questions. Topics to be addressed in the Town Hall session include scientific accomplishments and programmatic milestones from the past year, current programmatic directions, and NASA’s progress towards implementing the missions identified in the June 2010 report "Responding to the Challenge of Climate and Environmental Change: NASA’s Plan for a Climate-Centric Architecture for Earth Observations and Applications from Space" which incorporates recommendations from the National Research Council’s 2007 Decadal Survey for Earth Science, “Earth Science and Applications from Space: National Imperatives for the Next Decade and Beyond.” Recent developments in the Venture Class program and the non-flight parts of the NASA program (research and analysis, applied sciences, technology) and NASA's involvement in interagency and international programs will also be reviewed.
For additional information, please contact Jack Kaye (e-mail: Jack.A.Kaye@nasa.gov; tel: 202-329-7389).
7:30 PM-9:30 PM: Tuesday, 8 January 2013
Duce Symposium Banquet
Location: Hilton Hotel (Austin Convention Center)
Wednesday, 9 January 2013
8:30 AM-9:15 AM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
8:30 AM-9:30 AM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
8:30 AM-10:00 AM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
One aspect of the Weather Ready Nation initiative is to increase community response to weather information through enhanced decision support services to partners such as the emergency management (EM) community and the media. The NWS Central Region Impact-Based Warning Demonstration is one example of this, as its goal is to measure how the changes made to the warning products relate to the collective ability of the NWS, EM community, and the media to better assess, communicate, and manage severe convective weather risks. It is also an example of how collaboration with partners can help to evolve a product that communicates critical weather information into something that is more useful to the community.
In an effort to address some of the findings from the service assessments for the 27 April 2011 outbreak across the southeastern U.S. and the EF-5 tornado that struck Joplin, Missouri, the NWS Central Region identified a group of five forecast offices to implement a suite of experimental impact-based warning (IBW) convective products to test how to better communicate threats and impacts to partners. This paper will address several aspects of the IBW project including:
IBW Background: This section will address the origin of the IBW project from two NWS services assessments conducted in 2011, and it will list out the objectives and goals of the project. History and context will be provided on how the original IBW messages were crafted and limitations in formatting and content that exist. This section will also provide background on how the EM community is connected to NWS through the risk paradigm, which is a known concept for assessing and managing risk that was developed by the National Research Council.
Evaluation of IBW Products: A thorough evaluation of IBWs was conducted from April-November, 2012 in collaboration with the Weather for Emergency Management Decision Support team from Arizona State University, the University of North Carolina, and East Carolina University. An evaluation was conducted to examine the effectiveness of 1) forecaster assessment of the potential impacts, 2) the packaging of the situational understanding about a storm event and its severity and urgency, 3) the transfer of this knowledge to NWS partners (primarily emergency management and the media), and 4) whether and how that knowledge affects critical decisions such that the partners alter their actions. This section will discuss the four-step iterative process employed during the evaluation, the various social science methods used to conduct the evaluation, and findings from the EM, media, and forecaster perspectives.
IBW Next Steps and Effect on the Big Picture: Based on the evaluation, this section will discuss the next steps for IBW products in 2013. It will also look at how the results and methods used in IBW can be applied within the Weather-Ready Nation initiative, such as in the pilot projects, as well as the broader meteorological community.
The opening session of the Special Symposium will feature an invited 30-minute keynote presentation followed by other submissions discussing future techniques in weather forecast model development, new observational platforms, and impacts of new data assimilation techniques.
This session highlights advances in development and applications of
land data assimilation systems (LDAS), which merge ground- or
satellite-based land surface observations with estimates from coupled
or “off-line” land surface models, and can be used to initialize
weather and seasonal climate forecasts, monitor and predict extreme
events, provide improved background information for atmospheric data
assimilation, improve process understanding, and support model
development. Contributions may include studies that evaluate or improve land DA
methods, assess LDAS impact on state estimates, or use LDAS for the
above-mentioned applications. Contributions may address the
simultaneous assimilation of multiple observation types, and use of
current and planned hydrology satellite missions (e.g. SMOS, SMAP and
SWOT). Contact(s): Mike Ek (Michael.Ek@noaa.gov), Youlong Xia (Youlong.Xia@noaa.gov), Rolf Reichle (Rolf.Reichle@nasa.gov), and Susan Steele-Dunne (s.c.steele-dunne@tudelft.nl)
Descriptions and results from research field programs; Observational analysis of various seeding effects.
Focus of Session:
Many open questions in characterizing the climate of the ocean, atmosphere, and land are further emphasized at their interface in coastal regions. Decadal projections of the coastal environment remain highly uncertain due to fine temporal and spatial scale interactions among the physical, biological and hydrological processes, calling for an interdisciplinary and mesoscale approach in observational and modeling studies. While observations provide insights in current and past trends and variability, regional modeling fills the gap between the future projections by the global climate models and the growing demand for adaptation and mitigation strategies at highly resolved scales.
This session's focus is to assess the coastal manifestation in physical, biological and hydrological environments of the global climate variability and change. We encourage observational papers addressing the variability and trends in the coastal environments. Studies are welcome that focus on building and testing of the capacity for decadal hindcasts and projections in the coastal environment using regional scale to integrated Earth System models, including the efforts for coupling of atmospheric, oceanic, hydrologic and ecological models. We also emphasize the development of tools for assessing uncertainty estimates of the predictions at coastal scales and the provision of physical and ecological decision assistance, tools and applications.
Partnering Conferences: 11th Symposium on the Coastal Environment (CE) and the Conference on Climate Variability and Change (CVC)
Lead Conference: 11th Symposium on the Coastal Environment
Format of session:
Invited papers __X__
Submitted papers __X__
Panel discussion ___
Contacts:
11th Symposium on the Coastal Environment: Hyodae Seo, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, hseo@whoi.edu and Darko Koracin, Desert Research Institute, Darko.Koracin@dri.edu
CVC: Aiguo Dai, National Center for Atmospheric Research, adai@ucar.edu
8:45 AM-9:45 AM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
8:45 AM-10:00 AM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
9:00 AM-11:00 AM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
Spouses' Coffee
Location: Hilton Hotel (Austin Convention Center)
9:15 AM-10:00 AM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
This session will include short presentations on technology tools and tips including free online citation software.
9:30 AM-10:00 AM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
10:00 AM-10:30 AM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
Coffee Break
Location: Exhibit Hall 4 (Austin Convention Center)
Meet the President
Location: Room 1 (Austin Convention Center)
10:30 AM-11:00 AM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
10:30 AM-11:15 AM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
10:30 AM-11:30 AM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
Focus of Session:
Many open questions in characterizing the climate of the ocean, atmosphere, and land are further emphasized at their interface in coastal regions. Decadal projections of the coastal environment remain highly uncertain due to fine temporal and spatial scale interactions among the physical, biological and hydrological processes, calling for an interdisciplinary and mesoscale approach in observational and modeling studies. While observations provide insights in current and past trends and variability, regional modeling fills the gap between the future projections by the global climate models and the growing demand for adaptation and mitigation strategies at highly resolved scales.
This session's focus is to assess the coastal manifestation in physical, biological and hydrological environments of the global climate variability and change. We encourage observational papers addressing the variability and trends in the coastal environments. Studies are welcome that focus on building and testing of the capacity for decadal hindcasts and projections in the coastal environment using regional scale to integrated Earth System models, including the efforts for coupling of atmospheric, oceanic, hydrologic and ecological models. We also emphasize the development of tools for assessing uncertainty estimates of the predictions at coastal scales and the provision of physical and ecological decision assistance, tools and applications.
Partnering Conferences: 11th Symposium on the Coastal Environment (CE) and the Conference on Climate Variability and Change (CVC)
Lead Conference: 11th Symposium on the Coastal Environment
Format of session:
Invited papers __X__
Submitted papers __X__
Panel discussion ___
Contacts:
11th Symposium on the Coastal Environment: Hyodae Seo, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, hseo@whoi.edu and Darko Koracin, Desert Research Institute, Darko.Koracin@dri.edu
CVC: Aiguo Dai, National Center for Atmospheric Research, adai@ucar.edu
10:30 AM-11:45 AM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
10:30 AM-12:00 PM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
The second session of the Special Symposium will emphasize improved forecast capabilities for weather and climate applications, use of ensemble techniques, and improved capabilities for decision support activities.
The AMS Committee to Improve Climate Change Communication (CICCC) was formed in the Commission on the Weather and Climate Enterprise (CWCE) in August 2010 to “Facilitate communication among members of the weather and climate community so as to foster greater understanding about the spectrum of views on climate change.”
As a part of the First Symposium on the Weather and Climate Enterprise, CICCC will conduct a session which will include an overview of the CICCC's progress to date followed by a panel discussions in accordance with the mission of the CICCC.
While climate variability and change are largely governed by global phenomena adaptation to climate phenomena is primarily a regional and local problem. Regional climate models (RCMs) play an important role in downscaling global climate model information to the regional and local scale - at which local stakeholders and decision makers operate. In this session, we solicit talks related to the development and application of RCMs. We welcome talks focusing on diagnosis and evaluation of RCMs with in situ and remote sensing observations, improved physical parameterizations, and the relationship between large-scale climate variability and change with local phenomena. Application of RCMs to hydrological, ecological, agricultural and water resources management problems, including the prediction of hydrologic extremes, are also welcome. Contact(s): Francina Dominguez (francina@hwr.arizona.edu), Leung, Lai-Yung (Ruby) (Ruby.Leung@pnnl.gov), Om Tripathi (tripathi@atmo.arizona.edu), and Hsin-I Chang (hchang@atmo.arizona.edu)
Satellite measurements combined with continued improvement in the resolution of operational global models have enabled the development of supranational, global and regional-scale flood monitoring and forecasting systems. This session invites presentations that discuss the development, implementation and application of such large-scale systems and related monitoring, nowcasting, flash-flood scale forecasting, high-resolution mapping and impact assessment studies. Interdisciplinary projects that prepare for an improved humanitarian response to flood events are of particular interest. Contact(s): Bart Nijssen Nijssen@uw.edu, Ayse Sezin Tokar stokar@usaid.gov
Continuation of AWIPS II System Update Session
Continuation of Radar Technologies: Past, Present and Future sessions
11:15 AM-12:00 PM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
11:45 AM-12:00 PM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
12:00 PM-1:30 PM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
12:15 PM-1:15 PM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
Town Hall Meeting: Accessing Big Data for Disaster Risk Reduction—Global Access, Integration and Crisis Management
Location: Room 16A (Austin Convention Center)
Open initiatives and new applications for “Big Data” constitute a genuine opportunity to provide decision makers with powerful new tools for tracking and predicting hazardous events, protecting vulnerable communities, understanding human factors and targeting where to optimize programs and policies. For many "data poor" countries and communities accessing “Big Data” can expand credibility and usefulness of meteorological forecasts and warnings. Turning big data sets – satellite images, in situ and mobile sensor observations, online user-generated content, environmental data archives, weather and water forecasts, and climate model results, etc. – into useful and actionable information and integrating this complex information into decision support requires subject matter expertise, automated data retrieval, and analytical and computational techniques, and visualization, mapping and decision tools to unveil trends and patters within and between these extremely large environmental and socio-economic datasets. The significance of "big Data" is growing and expected to close both information and timeliness gaps that limit capabilities to plan, mitigate, or adapt to environmental hazards and change. Yet many National Meteorological and Hydrological Services and other stakeholders have no means to analyze and utilize effectively the new Big Data load that is present today and will continue to grow rapidly in the future.
With the promise come questions about the value, competitiveness and costs of different strategies and thus technical and policy relevance of Big Data. Join our presenters who will share their “Big Data” approaches and expertise to learn more about the practical and tactical side for crisis management and capacity development while exploring key questions:
•Who will identify the various user needs and establish strategies and solutions to get the huge value of Big Data sets?
•Who will be responsible for acquiring, processing, integrating, and delivering data and information of Big Data sets?
•How can Big Data be used for “real-time” risk and crisis management?
•What are good practices for integrating data sets for users and delivering tools needed for decision making?
•What role will the government, academic institutions and the private sector have in connecting users with the data and information they need?
For additional information, please contact David Green (301.580.3517, david.green@noaa.gov ) Curt Barrett (301.252.9189, cbarrett@ofda.gov ) or Tom Fahy (202.375.4696 tfahy@capitalgr.com )
Town Hall Meeting: International collaboration in NWP research - What's after THORPEX?
Location: Room 11AB (Austin Convention Center)
THORPEX, an international research and development program to accelerate the improvements in the accuracy of one-day to two-week high impact weather forecasts for the benefit of society, the economy, and the environment, is scheduled to conclude at the end of 2014. The World Weather Research Programme (WWRP) is currently considering priorities of international collaboration in post-THORPEX research on predictability, dynamical processes, numerical weather prediction, ensemble prediction systems, and societal impacts. In this regard, the US THORPEX Science Steering Committee (USTSSC) would like to solicit views and comments from the US weather research and operations community. In this town hall meeting, research priorities will be discussed, with the goal of compiling a set of recommendations to be shared with the broader international community. Those who are interested in attending, please email Edmund Chang, Chair of USTSSC (Kar.Chang@stonybrook.edu). Those who are unable to attend this town hall meeting are also encouraged to submit comments by email.
For additional information, please contact Edmund Chang (Kar.Chang@stonybrook.edu).
Town Hall Meeting: NASA’s Earth Science—Flight Program Investments in and Planning for the Next-Generation Earth Observatories
Location: Ballroom A (Austin Convention Center)
NASA has eight (8) Earth observing space missions currently in formulation and development, all scheduled to launch before the end of 2017. These include LDCM (2013), GPM, SMAP, SAGE III, and OCO-2 (all in 2014), ICESat-2 and CYGNSS (2016), and GRACE FO (2017). These eight will join the pantheon of existing US and international fleet of weather, climate and research satellites. But what is next? NASA’s Earth Science Division is working now, in collaboration with NOAA, the USGS, DOE and international partners, on science studies, technology investments, and mission definition studies to prepare the next generation of satellites and observations for launch in 2019 and soon thereafter. At this Town Hall meeting we will present the progress and plans for these next generation missions, including mission concepts from the 2007 NRC Decadal Survey (http://science.nasa.gov/earth-science/decadal-surveys/) and from the 2010 NASA Climate Plan (http://science.nasa.gov/earth-science/). We will identify opportunities for greater interaction with the NASA missions already in formulation and development, as well as opportunities for future collaboration as we move forward with thisnext generation of missions and measurements.
For further information, please contact Stephen Volz (svolz@nasa.gov).
Town Hall Meeting: National Climate Assessment: Further Defining Actionable Information
Location: Room 15 (Austin Convention Center)
As a follow on to the National Climate Assessment Special Session, a lunchtime panel discussion will be organized to address defining “actionable” climate information around the various Assessment themes. The panel will also address how such information can be delivered to the public to better manage risk and guide adaptation. This panel discussion will build upon the 2011 WCRP Open Science Conference session, Climate Science in Service to Society: Private Sector Needs and Opportunities. Antonio Busalacchi, Chair, University of Maryland Council on Environment and Nancy Colleton, President, Institute for Global Environmental Strategies will organize the panel and include several public and private sector representatives.
For additional information, please contact Nancy Colleton (e-mail: nancy_colleton@strategies.org; tel: 703-312-0824).
Town Hall Meeting: Our Stormy Sun — From Mystical Northern Lights to Space Weather and Climate Change
Location: Room 12B (Austin Convention Center)
The sun is not a quiet place; it is stormy and ever-changing and affects the Earths environment in many places. It is the source the Northern lights - a stunning phenomenon embedded in the mythology of many cultures and has been characterized as everything from dancing spirits to God’s anger. However, solar storm can also be harmful. Until about 100 years ago, solar storms could pass by without humans noticing the damage these storms do. Today it’s a different story. They can cause power outages and disrupt radio communications. More than 1,000 satellites are operating in space and the loss of a signal from any one of them can have serious consequences on weather forecasts, communication, navigation, mapping, search and rescue, research, and military surveillance. Furthermore, over many years, numerous attempts have been made to link various aspects of solar variability to changes in the Earth’s climate. there are several ways the Sun may impact the climate: through the electromagnetic radiation (Total Solar Irradiance), through the direct solar wind via magnetosphere/atmospheric coupling, and/or through galactic cosmic radiation, which is modulated by solar shielding and possibly influences cloud formation. Thus, a good knowledge of our changing Sun and the Sun-Earth connection is extremely important.
The lunch time speaker will be Pål Brekke, Norwegian Space Centre. A limited number of box lunches will be provided.
For additional information, please contact: Susan Baltuch (e-mail: sbaltuch@ucar.edu).
1:30 PM-2:30 PM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
Within the U.S. meteorological community, there is increasing cooperation between government agencies and commercial providers. With the realization that the relationship can be synergistic, resources are being brought together from both groups in a vibrant partnership that recognizes and embraces the needs and skills of each member. These experiences can and should be applied to the space weather enterprise
Society is totally reliant on technology that is susceptible to space weather, therefore the ability to understand and predict space weather is now an important component of the National Weather Enterprise. Space Weather refers to the variable conditions on the Sun and in the space environment that can influence the performance and reliability of space-borne and ground-based technological systems, as well as endanger life or health. Most space weather occurs because emissions from the Sun influence the space environment around Earth, as well as other planets. For example, space weather can significantly impact the electric power industry, aviation, Global Navigation Satellite Systems applications, communication systems, satellite operations, and space flight. Space weather can also affect national security and emergency response systems.
A commercial space weather capability is burgeoning in the U.S., and both commercial and university providers have skills, tools and products that complement or exceed those of government labs. There are also government research efforts and product development that competes with commercial activities. Given the current economic climate, it is imperative to have a synergistic and cooperative Space Weather Enterprise consisting of multiple stakeholders, including small commercial, large commercial, and government partners.
In this interactive panel session, the current state of the U.S. Space Weather Enterprise and ideas for future cooperation between stakeholders will be discussed. The discussion will include participants from various government agencies, and both small and large commercial companies.
The following questions will be addressed:
1) How does the government interact with and obtain commercial services in the meteorology sector, and is there a parallel for space weather services?
2) How can the AMS Enterprise Commission help the Space Weather Enterprise evolve and avoid some of the problems and misunderstandings that have already been addressed and overcome by the meteorological community during the past 10 years?
3) How can we ensure an appropriate partnership in the development and delivery of products?
4) How can we ensure common operational practices for data exchange between government and commercial operational centers?
5) How can we ensure that the commercial sector has a voice in determining the direction of the national space weather enterprise?
The third session of the symposium features reviews of current and future activities of developmental testbeds focused on improvements in the use of various observational data sets, data assimilation techniques, and the evaluation of advanced weather and climate forecasting models.
With the development of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), most of its 11 constituent Regional Associations have fostered the implementation of real-time, pre-operational and R&D coastal ocean circulation (& related) modeling systems. In the context of the overall meeting’s theme of environmental prediction and the associated session addressing the federal, pre-operational, transitional, and operational modeling systems, this session aims to survey this modeling cohort for its present status and lessons learned. For example, there is interest in (1) the adequacy of observational and larger scale model data to support regional modeling activities, (2) the efficacy of extant scientific and application metrics for skill assessments, and (3) the experience gained interacting with forecasters and other users, plus a variety of other such topics. An area of particular interest is the coupling of regional ocean circulation models to wave and storm surge models, atmospheric models, hydrological models, ecosystem models, etc.
1:30 PM-3:00 PM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
Continuation of Radar Technologies: Past, Present and Future session
2:30 PM-4:00 PM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
Formal Poster Viewing with Coffee Break
Location: Exhibit Hall 3 (Austin Convention Center)
4:00 PM-4:30 PM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
4:00 PM-4:45 PM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
With the development of the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS), most of its 11 constituent Regional Associations have fostered the implementation of real-time, pre-operational and R&D coastal ocean circulation (& related) modeling systems. In the context of the overall meeting’s theme of environmental prediction and the associated session addressing the federal, pre-operational, transitional, and operational modeling systems, this session aims to survey this modeling cohort for its present status and lessons learned. For example, there is interest in (1) the adequacy of observational and larger scale model data to support regional modeling activities, (2) the efficacy of extant scientific and application metrics for skill assessments, and (3) the experience gained interacting with forecasters and other users, plus a variety of other such topics. An area of particular interest is the coupling of regional ocean circulation models to wave and storm surge models, atmospheric models, hydrological models, ecosystem models, etc.
4:00 PM-5:15 PM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
4:00 PM-5:30 PM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
This session will describe partnerships among U.S. federal agencies, academia, industry, and other nations, which help to accelerate transitions from research to operations, and identify barriers and ways to overcome them.
The final session of the Special Symposium will emphasize presentations that incorporate future forecasting capabilities and applications that incorporate societal impacts and other sectors beyond operational forecasting such as relationships to public health, agriculture, and energy.
Continuation of the Radar Technologies: Past, Present and Future sessions
his session will be oriented toward prediction and decision support, highlighting cutting-edge efforts to advance short to medium range prediction systems in support of flood prevention operations and management. A broader slate of flood related topics are also of interest, including the characterization of observed flood events, estimation of flood risk, hydrologic and geomorphologic changes associated with floods, flood analysis and simulation, and flood related physical processes and phenomenon such as rain on snow, snowmelt, atmospheric rivers and tropical connections. The session also invites contributions related to the management of floods, such as emergency response activities, including case study assessments of recent, high-impact events.. Contact(s) DJ Seo (djseo@uta.edu), Greg Shelton (Greg.Shelton@noaa.gov)
4:00 PM-5:45 PM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
4:30 PM-5:30 PM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
4:45 PM-4:50 PM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
ASLI Choice Book Awards
Location: Room 13AB (Austin Convention Center)
Presentation at ASLI Booth # in Exhibit Hall
5:30 PM-6:30 PM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
Awards Banquet Reception in the Exhibit Hall
Location: Exhibit Hall 4 (Austin Convention Center)
6:30 PM-6:35 PM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
Annual ASLI Dinner
Location: Hilton Hotel (Austin Convention Center)
7:00 PM-10:00 PM: Wednesday, 9 January 2013
93rd AMS Awards Banquet
Location: Ballroom D (Austin Convention Center)
Thursday, 10 January 2013
7:00 AM-8:15 AM: Thursday, 10 January 2013
Town Hall Meeting: Global Climate Forecasting Services—From forecasts to User Decisions—An international Perspective
Location: Room 11AB (Austin Convention Center)
The US Agency for International Development (USAID) Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA) is partnered with US federal agencies such as the NOAA National Weather Service Climate Prediction Center and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) to assist developing countries to develop capacity to produce climate forecasts that will benefit the various country economic sectors. Projects and workshops have resulted in successful adoption of climate forecasts to improve decision making in countries such as Kenya and in western Africa. A panel consisting of meteorologists from Africa (Senegal and Kenya) as well as a Climate forecaster with the Climate prediction center will discuss the gains and challenges of linking climate forecast products to user decisions.
For additional information, please contact Sezin Tokar (e-mail: stokar@USAID.GOV).
8:25 AM-9:45 AM: Thursday, 10 January 2013
8:30 AM-9:30 AM: Thursday, 10 January 2013
8:30 AM-9:45 AM: Thursday, 10 January 2013
Step 1: Achieving Consensus on (a) Standard Forecast Accuracy Measurement Metrics, (b) Baseline Estimation Process, and (c) Target Value Determination Methods for Forecast Metrics
In support of the DOE SunShot Initiative, the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE) is partnering with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the solar energy enterprise to improve solar forecasts. In a funding opportunity announcement (FOA) issued in the Spring of 2012, DOE is funding activities that address three key steps in improving solar forecasts: (1) Activity A: Development of a standardized set of metrics, and determination of the baseline value and target value for these metrics; (2) Activity B: Conduct research that yields a transformational improvement in weather models and methods for forecasting solar irradiance, application of this research to the development of solar power forecasts, and validation of these forecasts to ensure that target values are met; and (3) Activity C: Incorporation of solar forecasts into the system operations of one or more utilities or independent system operators, and an evaluation of the forecasts’ economic and reliability benefits, using the standardized metrics.
The proposed workshop at AMS 2013 is intended to serve as one of the key starting points for Activity A in the FOA – Developing a standard set of metrics, baseline and target values. This workshop is intended to be the first in a series of workshops aimed at soliciting the input of stakeholders in the solar forecasting industry in a comprehensive manner. The anticipated participants of this workshop will be meteorologists, solar forecasting industry stakeholders, and utility representatives. The goal of this workshop is to solicit input from the participants and engage in “deep dive” discussions on the merits and demerits of various metrics, baseline and target value determination processes. The deliverable from this workshop is expected to be a suggested list of standard metrics grouped into various categories based on their purpose, and possible processes for estimating forecast accuracy baselines and target values for metrics. The workshop is expected to be between two to four hours in length. Given the focus of AMS on energy/renewable resource forecasting, and increasing utility participation at AMS conferences, this workshop will serve as a timely effort to achieve both of these goals.
Data Stewardship: Technological Approaches and Solutions to Collecting, Preserving, Communicating Weather and Climate Data
This session will be oriented toward prediction and decision support, highlighting cutting-edge efforts to advance short to medium range prediction systems in support of flood prevention operations and management. A broader slate of flood related topics are also of interest, including the characterization of observed flood events, estimation of flood risk, hydrologic and geomorphologic changes associated with floods, flood analysis and simulation, and flood related physical processes and phenomenon such as rain on snow, snowmelt, atmospheric rivers and tropical connections. The session also invites contributions related to the management of floods, such as emergency response activities, including case study assessments of recent, high-impact events.. Contact(s) DJ Seo (djseo@uta.edu), Greg Shelton (Greg.Shelton@noaa.gov)
8:45 AM-9:45 AM: Thursday, 10 January 2013
9:45 AM-11:00 AM: Thursday, 10 January 2013
Formal Poster Viewing with Coffee Break
Location: Exhibit Hall 3 (Austin Convention Center)
11:00 AM-11:45 AM: Thursday, 10 January 2013
11:00 AM-12:00 PM: Thursday, 10 January 2013
Ebooks are quickly becoming commonplace among libraries and information centers. This panel will share their knowledge on buying, lending, and preserving of Ebooks.
Continuation of the Mapping and Social Media Technologies for Sharing Weather, Water, and Climate Data session
12:00 PM-1:30 PM: Thursday, 10 January 2013
Weather-Ready Nation Networking Event
Location: Ballroom E (Austin Convention Center)
When it comes to building a Weather-Ready Nation, it literally "takes a village", and the lifeblood of the Weather-Ready Nation initiative is the next generation of scientists. The co-chairs of the 1st Symposium on Building a Weather-Ready Nation: Enhancing Our Nation's Readiness, Responsiveness, and Resilience to High Impact Weather Events cordially invite you to participate in a networking opportunity at noon on Thursday January 10th. Lunch will be provided courtesy of Mike Eilts, President and CEO of Weather Decision Technologies.
Dr. Susan Jasko, Professor of Communications in the Department of Communications Studies at the University of California at Pennsylvania, will kick off the networking session, and professionals closest to the Weather-Ready Nation initiative in the public, private and academic sectors will be participating to engage students on awareness of the Weather-Ready Nation initiative, and answer any questions about additional ways students can get involved in Weather-Ready Nation activities.
1:30 PM-2:15 PM: Thursday, 10 January 2013
1:30 PM-2:30 PM: Thursday, 10 January 2013
1:30 PM-3:00 PM: Thursday, 10 January 2013
Continuation of the Data Stewardship: Technological Approaches and Solutions to Collecting, Preserving, Communicating Weather and Climate Data session
2:15 PM-3:00 PM: Thursday, 10 January 2013
8
Round Robin
Location: Room 13AB (Austin Convention Center)
Roundtable discussions may include topics such as eBooks, emerging technologies, marketing/ outreach, and scholarly communication/ publishing.
3:00 PM-3:05 PM: Thursday, 10 January 2013
3:00 PM-3:30 PM: Thursday, 10 January 2013
Coffee Break
Location: Levels 3 and 4 (Austin Convention Center)
Meet the President
Location: Room 1 (Austin Convention Center)
3:30 PM-4:45 PM: Thursday, 10 January 2013
3:30 PM-5:00 PM: Thursday, 10 January 2013
3:30 PM-5:30 PM: Thursday, 10 January 2013
4:45 PM-5:00 PM: Thursday, 10 January 2013
13
Wrap-up
Location: Room 17A (Austin Convention Center)
5:00 PM-5:05 PM: Thursday, 10 January 2013
AMS 93rd Annual Meeting Adjourns