Polar Satellite Sensor Training for the Operational Weather Services

The National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) and National Weather Service (NWS) have worked together to develop a series of computer-based learning (CBL) modules to train operational weather forecasters in the interpretation and effective use of polar satellite data and products. The series of training modules were developed in coordination with the Cooperative Program for Operational Meteorology, Education and Training (COMET®). This training program serves an important role since polar satellites offer both unique as well as complementary data to the operational forecasting community.

The use of polar satellite (POES) data within the operational weather services varies tremendously. Within the NWS, POES imagery and derived products are used mostly within the Alaska region, with some usage by a few other offices and the National Centers for Environmental Prediction - especially the Tropical Prediction Center. POES sounder radiance data are used mainly for the initialization of numerical models. For most other areas of the U.S., the NWS forecaster relies heavily on data and products from GOES. Within the Department of Defense, the use of polar satellite data and products (especially from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program - DMSP) by operational forecasters is much more extensive. Their area of responsibility spans the entire globe and only polar satellites can provide complete coverage.

To expand the understanding and use of polar satellite data across the weather services, the joint NESDIS/NWS polar satellite training effort at COMET was established. This program has developed CBL modules that focus on the data and products available from both the POES and DMSP satellites. Module materials review the channels and products available from the POES and DMSP imager and sounder instruments. An entire module is dedicated to the unique capability of the polar satellites - the microwave channels. The microwave instruments addressed include the SSM/I (onboard the DMSP satellites) and the new AMSU-A and -B instruments available on NOAA-15. Another module focuses on the integration of polar satellite data with other datasets using short case study examples and is part of the Integrated Sensor Training (IST) Professional Development Series (PDS). This effort provides training support to the operational weather services on the integrated use of remote and in situ sensor datasets. The IST PDS is a major area of emphasis within the operational weather services and especially with the deployment of the Advanced Weather Information Processing System (AWIPS) within NWS.

NESDIS and NWS have worked closely with COMET to provide the polar satellite training modules over the World Wide Web. The materials are located within the meteorological training (MetEd) site located at www.meted.ucar.edu as part of the integrated remote sensing training core. Distribution of the POES CBL modules on CD-ROM is also planned.

This poster is funded in part by Cooperative Agreement #NA97WD0082 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA or any of its sub-agencies.