Ongoing Global Observations the MJO_ An Historical Overview (Core Science Keynote)

The discovery of the MJO (1971) dates back to the era when radiosondes were the backbone of the global observing system. It is impressive to reflect on how much was learned from time series of data from a very limited number of tropical stations, In the two decades that followed, the growing array of measurements from space transformed and revitalized the observing system. Beginning in 1979 it has been possible to follow MJO-related rainfall anomalies as they tracked eastward across the Indo-Pacific warm pool, using measurements of outgoing long wave radiation (OLR). Gridded global analyses (and later, more refined reanalysis products) provided a basis for documenting the three-dimensional structure and evolution of the MJO.with microwave-based rainfall measurements fro GCIP, TRMM and GPM providing “ground truth”. While new observations are often on the “cutting edge”of the science, some of the most important scientific breakthroughs have involved innovative applications of well established measurement technologies.Some examples will be provided.