NPOESS Userport

Environmental Satellite Resource Center (ESRC)

The ESRC, developed by The COMET Program in association with NPOESS/IPO and NOAA/NESDIS, is a web-based search tool for finding useful satellite resources in areas ranging from satellite systems and applications, to data products, cases and examples, and education and training materials for both low-earth orbiting and geostationary environmental satellites. The ESRC offers multiple search options for accessing satellite materials for all knowledge levels. We encourage you to use the ESRC!

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Jason-2: Using Satellite Altimetry to Monitor the Ocean
Time:  1.25 hours

Altimeters onboard satellites such as Jason-2 measure sea surface height and other characteristics of the ocean surface. These characteristics are linked to underlying processes and structures, making altimetry data useful for understanding the full depth of the global ocean. This 75-minute module explores major discoveries made possible by altimetry data in oceanography, marine meteorology, the marine geosciences, climate studies, the cryosphere, and hydrology. For example, altimeters have played a vital role in detecting and monitoring sea level rise and its relation to climate change. The module also describes many of the practical applications of altimetry data, for example, in hurricane forecasting and monitoring climate events such as ENSO. Finally, the module describes Jason-2, which was launched in 2008, its products and services, and the Ocean Surface Topography Mission (OSTM), of which it is a part. OSTM is a collaboration between EUMETSAT and CNES (Europe) and NOAA and NASA (United States).

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Microwave Remote Sensing Topics Distance Learning Course
Time:  4-6 hours

This self-paced distance learning course, an organized collection of previously published materials, provides learners with a foundation in the science, products, and applications of space-based satellite microwave remote sensing. To receive a course completion certificate, you must successfully complete at a minimum the three core modules:

• Microwave Remote Sensing: Clouds, Precipitation, and Water Vapor
• Microwave Remote Sensing: Land and Ocean Surface
• Advances in Microwave Remote Sensing: Ocean Wind Speed and Direction

For those with an additional interest in this topic, the course Web site provides extra materials including a module introducing microwave remote sensing for environmental applications, a module giving background information about microwave remote sensing from polar-orbiting satellites, and two application focused modules on tropical cyclones and tropical rainfall potential. The total time to complete the entire course including optional portions is approximately 8 to 9 hours.

Advanced Satellite Sounding: The Benefits of the Hyperspectral Observation
Time:  1 hour

This webcast is an expert lecture presented by Dr. Mitch Goldberg, Chief of the Satellite Meteorology and Climatology Division at NOAA/NESDIS. His presentation is divided into four sections 1) the importance of satellite observing systems, 2) a brief review of remote sensing principles, 3) results from current observing systems including AIRS, IASI, and CrIS, and 4) the importance of having hyperspectral soundings also taken from geostationary orbit. The lecture introduces listeners to what hyperspectral observations are, how they are done, some current products, and how these observations contribute to improved monitoring of atmospheric temperature, moisture, and even trace gases, environmental hazards, climate, oceans, and land. It also discusses how these data lead to improvements in numerical weather prediction.

Creating Meteorological Products from Satellite Data
Time:  1 hour

This module presents an overview of how satellite data are turned into the satellite products used by operational forecasters and the research and educational communities, etc. The module begins by describing the process of creating simple image products that use relatively simple image manipulation techniques to highlight properties such as wind-blown dust, vegetation, and cloud phase. The module then describes some of the more complex processes involved in generating quantitative products, such as cloud identification, atmospheric instability, wildfire characterization, and sea surface temperature. Finally, the module introduces advanced products that use the thousands of channels on hyperspectral instruments to derive a variety of geophysical parameters related to the characterization of aerosols, trace gases, cloud microphysics, and atmospheric profiling, etc. The discussion of quantitative products uses the example of the Meteosat cloud mask, which indicates whether a pixel in a satellite image is clear or cloudy. Cloud mask products are important to all environmental satellites in that they form the basis for many other derived products.

Microwave Remote Sensing: Land and Ocean Surface Applications
Time:  2 hours

This module introduces the concepts and principles basic to retrieving important land and ocean surface properties using microwave remote sensing observations from polar-orbiting satellites. Section one reviews the advantages of microwave remote sensing from polar-orbiting platforms and briefly highlights some of the unique spectral characteristics that allow for differentiation between various surface types and properties. Subsequent sections present a more in-depth look at the derivation and application of microwave products that quantify four different land and ocean surface properties and their characteristics, including snow cover and water equivalent, sea ice, surface wetness and soil moisture, and sea surface temperature. The module reviews both past and current satellite missions and also discusses the future NPOESS constellation that is expected to include a passive microwave sensing capability beginning with the second NPOESS satellite.

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An Introduction to the EUMETSAT Polar System
Time: 1 hour
Languages: English and French

This Webcast provides an overview of the EUMETSAT Polar System (EPS), Europe's first dedicated operational polar-orbiting weather satellite program. EPS contributes to the Initial Joint Polar System (IJPS) under a cooperation agreement between EUMETSAT and NOAA to provide and improve operational meteorological and environmental forecasting and global climate monitoring services worldwide. The highly innovative features implemented with EPS include high-level sounding performance and enhanced data streams that further improve the capabilities of advanced NWP systems.

Microwave Remote Sensing: Clouds, Precipitation, and Water Vapor
Time: 1 hour

This module provides an introduction to polar-orbiting-satellite-based microwave remote sensing products that depict moisture and precipitation in the atmosphere. The module begins with definitions and descriptions of total precipitable water and cloud liquid water products, contrasting each with more familiar infrared water vapor and window channel products. This is followed by an overview of microwave precipitation estimation and a discussion of how polar-satellite products compare with those from geostationary satellites and ground-based radar. A series of case examples highlights potential weather forecasting applications for total precipitable water and precipitation products. The module also includes an introduction to the Global Precipitation Monitoring Mission to which future NPOESS satellites will be an important contributor.

Microwave Remote Sensing: Overview
Time: 40 min

This module presents an overview of space-based microwave remote sensing for environmental applications. It provides basic information on polar-orbiting satellite characteristics, current microwave instruments, and the imagery and products currently available from these sensors. Special attention is given to the improvements expected in the NPOESS era. This module is an introduction to other, more in-depth modules covering the science and application of cloud, precipitation, water vapor, land and ocean surface observations.

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Advances in Microwave Remote Sensing: Ocean Wind Speed and Direction Webcast
Time: 45 min

This Webcast covers the ocean surface wind retrieval process, the basics of microwave polarization as it relates to wind retrievals, and several operational examples. Information on the development of microwave sensors used to retrieve ocean surface wind speed and the ocean surface wind vector (speed and direction) is also included.

NexSat: Preparing Users for the NPOESS/VIIRS Era Webcast
Time:  10 min

The NexSat Web site is a public educational resource provided by the Naval Research Laboratory and the Integrated Program Office that provides near realtime access to polar-orbiting satellite imagery and derived products over the lower 48 states and Hawaii from several research and operational satellites. Model data from FNMOC and data from the National Lightning Detection Network is also accessible from the site. This Webcast is a ‘virtual tour’ of the Web site, showing the features of the available and demonstrating how to access the diverse array of products available.

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Blowing Snow: Baker Lake, Nunavut, Canada 04-10 February 2003
Time:  1 hour

This case exercise takes an in-depth look at a blowing snow event in the northern mainland of Canada. The case addresses specific low-level wind and snow conditions. Model data, satellite imagery, and observations are provided for assessing the potential for blowing snow and blizzard conditions as the event unfolds.

Imaging with NPOESS VIIRS: A Convergence of Technologies and Experience
Time:  45 min

This module introduces the NPOESS VIIRS imager that will fly on the NPOESS Preparatory Project and the NPOESS satellites. The VIIRS imager has many advanced features that will improve both spectral and temporal resolution. Ninety-five percent of VIIRS data will be available within 28 minutes of overpass time, providing consistent, high-quality, high-resolution data to users. This module covers the improvements to VIIRS by examining the systems that contributed to its development. Special attention is paid to the Day/Night Visible channel as VIIRS will be the first civilian satellite to image atmospheric and terrestrial features with and without moonlight.

Operational Satellite Derived Tropical Rainfall Potential (TRaP)
Time:  1 hour

The COMET Program and the Integrated Program Office are pleased to announce the publication of The Operational Tropical Rainfall Potential (TRaP) module. This module, developed by Sheldon Kusselson (Satellite Analysis Branch, NESDIS), traces the development of the present TRaP product and shows numerous examples from recent hurricane seasons comparing model precipitation forecast amounts, TRaP estimated rainfall amounts, and observed rainfall. Guidelines for using the TRaP product and future improvements are presented at the conclusion of the module.

Polar Lows Ungava Bay 01 December 2000
Time:  1 to 2 hours

Polar lows are generally short-lived but intense events that occur over cold ocean waters, poleward of a baroclinic zone. The polar low in this case formed over the open waters of Ungava Bay, in northeastern Canada, on 2 December 2000. The case is presented as a series of challenging forecast questions followed by a more traditional case study presentation. Included in this exercise is a rich set of data products and access to background materials on polar low forecasting.

Polar Satellite Products for the Operational Forecaster: Microwave Analysis of Tropical Cyclones
Time:  1 hour

This module introduces forecasters to the use of microwave image products for observing and analyzing tropical cyclones. In the NPOESS era, microwave imagery and derived products from the Conical Microwave Imager/Sounder (CMIS) and the Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) will be available in near real time (95% of the data to users within 30 minutes), providing a significant reduction in data latency. The use of microwave data from polar-orbiting satellites is crucial to today's operational forecasters, and particularly for those with maritime forecasting responsibilities where in situ observations are sparse. Module content focuses on storm structure and presents techniques for improved storm positioning.

Remote Sensing of Ocean Wind Speed and Direction: An Introduction to Scatterometry Webcast
Time:  40 min

This Webcast features Dr. Michael Freilich (Oregon State University, principal investigator on the QuikSCAT project for NSF) introducing and discussing the fundamentals of scatterometry and how they apply to the SeaWinds instrument on QuikSCAT. Dr. Freilich also describes how the model function is used to derive wind speed and direction from multiple collocated measurements.

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Dust Enhancement Techniques Using MODIS and SeaWiFS Webcast
Time:  1 hour

This Webcast features Dr. Steven Miller of the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) in Monterey, CA. Dr. Miller explains two techniques for detecting blowing dust using multispectral satellite imagery from the MODIS and SeaWiFS instruments. He also provides guidelines for the best uses of these techniques. The Webcast includes several recent operational examples from southwest Asia. This presentation was originally given at a workshop hosted by NRL in April, 2003.

The NPOESS Science Advisory Team Webcast
Time:  15 min

This Webcast, narrated by Dr. Friday, describes the creation and roles of the NPOESS (National Polar-orbiting Operational Environmental Satellite System) Science Advisory Team (SAT). This team is composed of leading atmospheric scientists and headed by Dr. W. Elbert ‘Joe’ Friday, former director of the NWS. The SAT provides scientific review and guidance to the individual Operational Algorithm Teams (OATs), which are organized by discipline and/or sensor type. The VIIRS (Visible and Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite) OAT (VOAT) for example, advises on instrument development and tuning of algorithms to maximize efficiency and to assure that the measurement objectives of specific environmental data records (EDRs) are met.

The NPP Data Exchange Toolkit (NEXT) Webcast
Time:  10 min

This Webcast features Dr. Robert Murphy of NASA discussing the data quality flags and distribution network for the initial data coming from the NPOESS Preparatory Project (NPP) satellite instruments. Dr. Murphy also provides contact points for more information or to receive the initial NPP data stream.

Visible and Infrared Dust Detection Techniques Webcast
Time:  25 min

This Webcast, presented by Tom Lee (Naval Research Laboratory, Monterey, CA) demonstrates techniques for dust detection using standard visible and longwave infrared window channels available worldwide on geostationary and polar-orbiting satellite instruments. Several examples from southwest Asia and Africa demonstrate techniques such as using control images, stretching enhancement curves, and using looping to highlight dust features.

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An Introduction to POES Data and Products (recorded teletraing session)
Time:  75 min

This teletraining introduces POES and POES data, describes POES orbits and coverage, provides examples of products, and discusses real-time data access.

Feature Identification Using Environmental Satellites Webcast
Time:  1 hour

This Webcast, presented by Tom Lee of the Naval Research Laboratory, focuses on feature identification using a combination of high-resolution multispectral polar and geostationary satellite imagery products.

The Webcast is made up of five short sections focus on a set of particularly challenging feature identification problems including: clouds over snow; contrails/thin cirrus; fires, hot spots, and smoke; blowing dust; snow, icebergs, and pack ice. Examples are included from Asia, Europe, and North America. A table summarizes suggested detection strategies for each phenomena type, based on available polar and geostationary capabilities and whether the event occurs during daytime or nighttime.

Feature Identification Exercises: Clouds, Snow, and Ice Using MODIS
Time:  1 hour

This module consists of four exercises where users identify surface features, distinguish clouds from snow on the ground, and determine cloud phase using multispectral analysis. The module also includes an overview of multispectral techniques available on many operational and research polar-orbiting satellites. A page with links to real-time polar-orbiting data and information is also included.

Remote Sensing of Land, Oceans, and Atmosphere with MODIS
Time:  1 hour

This Webcast is based on presentations given by Dr. W. Paul Menzel at several conferences. It is approximately 60 minutes in length and introduces the MODIS instrument on the Terra satellite. Dr. Menzel begins by providing background on MODIS channel selection and instrument calibration. He continues with a variety of examples that include both climatological and meteorological applications, including high-resolution data and derived-product imagery. The examples are divided into land, ocean, and atmosphere applications. Dr. Menzel concludes with a discussion of the new direct-broadcast capability of the Terra satellite that allows users all over the world to receive MODIS data.

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Polar Satellite Products for the Operational Forecaster (POES) Module 4: Soundings
Time:  1 to 2 hours

This module describes the different sounding products available from NOAA polar-orbiting satellites. The module provides guidance on integrating POES sounding data more effectively with observations from other platforms to improve operational forecasting activities. The ability to derive soundings in cloudy conditions increases the value of this data to operational forecasters. Forecasters with responsibilities outside the CONUS will also be able to use the global coverage that POES sounders offer.

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Polar Satellite Products for the Operational Forecaster (POES) Module 1: POES Introduction
Time:  75 min

This module is a component of the Integrated Sensor Training (IST) Professional Development Series (PDS) Professional Competency Unit #6-Satellite Data and Products. Dr. Stan Kidder of the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) at Colorado State University is the principal science advisor for this module with significant assistance from Dr. Gary Hufford (NWS Alaska Region). The module provides an overview of current polar satellite products and their applications in forecasting situations and also contains a summary of instruments currently in use and a short history of the U.S. polar satellite program. The module is the first in a series of four modules focusing on polar satellite products and applications.

Polar Satellite Products for the Operational Forecaster (POES) Module 2: Microwave Products and Applications
Time:  1 to 2 hours

This module is a component of the Integrated Sensor Training (IST) Professional Development Series (PDS) Professional Competency Unit #6-Satellite Data and Products. This module provides a closer look at the capabilities, products, and applications available to operational weather forecasting with the present suite of microwave instruments onboard both NOAA and DMSP satellites.

Polar Satellite Products for the Operational Forecaster (POES) Module 3: Case Studies
Time:  1 to 2 hours

This module contains two short case study examples that demonstrate different uses of polar satellite data. The first case example shows how AMSU microwave data can be used to supplement other datasets to improve precipitation forecasts. The second case example demonstrates the TRaP method for calculating rainfall from Hurricane Georges.

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