MetEd: Meteorology Education and Training. Operated by the COMET Program

Description:
Este módulo es el primer componente del 2º Curso de Educación a Distancia (Distance Learning Course), sobre la generación de pronósticos TAF centrados en el cliente. El módulo comprende dos lecciones que brindan 1) una introducción para comprender los clientes de aviación y sus necesidades y 2) una técnica para satisfacer esas necesidades generando pronósticos de aeródromo (TAF) claros, concisos y coherentes.

Objectives:

1. Identificar los grupos de clientes de aviación y describir cómo usan los pronósticos TAF.
2. Reconocer los problemas comunes de los pronósticos de aeródromo que afectan adversamente a los clientes.
3. Analizar algunos pronósticos TAF con el fin de determinar cuáles los clientes considerarían "buenos" o "malos".
4. Explicar por qué el uso excesivo de los términos condicionales (como TEMPO) reduce los resultados de verificación del pronóstico e impide a los clientes tomar decisiones eficaces.
5. Describir la relación que existe entre los resultados de verificación del pronóstico y el grado de satisfacción del cliente.
6. Crear un TAF prácticamente perfecto que pueda satisfacer las necesidades comunes de los clientes.

Estimated time to complete: 2 h

Includes audio: no

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2008-05-08

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Description:
The “Mesoscale Meteorology Effects on Fire Behavior” module reviews the development of thermally forced winds in complex terrain and explores how these winds combine with the effects of terrain to influence fire spread. Three-dimensional conceptual animations illustrate these effects through a 24-hr period, as members of the team working this theoretical fire describe different aspects of weather, fire behavior, and operational fire fighting decisions at specific times during this day. This module is part of the Advanced Fire Weather Forecasters Course.

Objectives:
At the end of this module you should be able to:

1. Describe the effects of thermally forced winds in complex terrain on fire behavior

2. Identify how suppression operations are related to fire and smoke conditions in complex terrain

Estimated time to complete: 30 min

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
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Last published on: 2008-04-28

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Description:
The “Fire Weather Climatology” module provides a comprehensive look at fire regions across the United States and characteristics of typical fire seasons in each region. In addition, critical fire weather patterns are described in terms of their development, duration and impact on fire weather. Numerous case studies provide examples and opportunities to practice recognizing these critical patterns and how they can affect fire ignition and spread. This module is part of the Advanced Fire Weather Forecasters Course.

Objectives:
At the end of this module you should be able to:

1. Identify critical fire weather patterns across North America and describe:
* Basic set-up, effects on fire weather elements, and typical duration of each pattern
* Characteristics of each pattern that contribute to fire ignition, spread and intensification.
2. Describe locations of key large-scale air-mass source regions and the air mass characteristics that impact fire weather.
3. Identify typical fire seasons for fire climatological regions of the United States and Canada and the critical fire weather patterns that affect these regions.

Estimated time to complete: 2 h

Includes audio: no

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
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Last published on: 2008-04-28

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Description:
En este módulo preparatorio de la serie Manual de meteorología de mesoescala (Mesoscale Meteorology Primer) se tratan temas tales como una descripción general de los factores que controlan si el aire subirá para cruzar una montaña o si será forzado alrededor de ella, el papel de la energía potencial y cinética, el número de Froude y su significado y el bloqueo del flujo del aire por la topografía.

Objectives:
Al final de este módulo podrá:
1. Describir cómo el flujo interactúa con la topografía.
2. Enumerar los factores que determinan la interacción.

Objetivos específicos
Al final de este módulo podrá:
1. Enumerar los factores que determinan la interacción entre el flujo y la topografía.
2. Describir el número de Froude en términos de velocidad del viento, dirección del viento, estabilidad estática y altura de la montaña.
3. Describir las interacciones del flujo con una cadena montañosa ancha para flujos de número de Froude altos y bajos.
4. Recordar cómo el flujo responde frente a una montaña individual alta.
5. Enumerar los factores que determinan a qué distancia aguas arriba el flujo se verá afectado por la topografía.

Estimated time to complete: 30 min

Includes audio: no

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
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Last published on: 2008-04-24

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Description:
Este módulo presenta los productos de percepción remota por microondas generados por satélites polares que describen la humedad en la atmósfera y las tasas de precipitación. El módulo comienza con una explicación de los productos agua precipitable total y agua líquida en las nubes, y los compara con las imágenes infrarrojas de vapor de agua. A continuación el módulo presenta una serie de casos de ejemplo que destacan el papel de las imágenes de agua precipitable total y de tasa de precipitación por microondas para pronosticar con precisión los sistemas meteorológicos. Finalmente, el módulo describe la misión de observación de la precipitación mundial (Global Precipitation Monitoring) para la cual el aporte de los futuros satélites NPOESS será importante. Tardará aproximadamente 75 minutos en terminar este módulo.

Objectives:
Cuando termine de estudiar el módulo, podrá:

• Dar una definición de agua precipitable total (TPW).


• Dar una definición de agua líquida en las nubes (CLW).


• Describir la diferencia entre las regiones de ventana atmosférica y las regiones de absorción del espectro electromagnético.


• Explicar cómo se derivan las tasas de lluvia sobre tierra firme y sobre el océano.


• Describir los objetivos de la misión de medición de la precipitación global (Global Precipitation Measurement Mission).


• Interpretar los productos de agua precipitable total, agua líquida en las nubes y tasa de lluvia a partir
  de los casos de ejemplo.

Estimated time to complete: 75 min

Includes audio: no

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
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Last published on: 2008-04-01

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Description:
The “Assessing Fire Danger” distance learning module explores techniques for recognizing weather and fuel conditions contributing to fire danger. The module includes a matrix of data sources offering useful weather, fuels, and other information related to fire ignition, spread, and intensity. An overview of situational awareness practices provides information relevant to forecasters in the office or field. This module is part of the Advanced Fire Weather Forecasters Course.

Objectives:
At the end of this module you should be able to:

1. Describe the fire “setup” stage and identify weather patterns that lead to fuel dryness,
2. understand fuel dryness evolution and how it relates to the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS),
3. describe specific fire weather and fuel data sources that aid in determining fuel susceptibility,
4. apply situational awareness concepts to fire weather forecasting operations.

Estimated time to complete: 1 h

Includes audio: no

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2008-03-31

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Description:
The “Stability, Smoke Management, and Fire Weather Forecasting” module examines the effects of atmospheric stability on fire behavior and the transport of smoke, as well as fire and smoke management operations. Topics covered include the impacts of the formation, persistence, and dissipation of inversions and how best to relate forecast information on these phases to customers. Calculation and application of the Haines Index is applied through the highly interactive Haines Game. In addition, the influence of stability on the transport and dispersion of fire related smoke is covered in the context of smoke management programs and the critical information provided by fire weather forecasters. This web module is part of the Advanced Fire Weather Forecasters Course.

Objectives:
At the end of this module you should be able to:

1. Describe various atmospheric stability profiles in terms of their potential influences on fire behavior
a. Characterize influences of stability on fire behavior
b. Describe impacts of inversion formation, persistence, weakening, and dissipation on fire behavior
c. Describe, interpret, and apply the Haines Index
d. Identify impacts of inversions on fire management operations

2. Demonstrate an understanding of the smoke management process and the forecaster's role in that process
a. Correctly identify statements describing the purposes for, and importance of smoke management
b. Identify consequences of accurate/inaccurate smoke management-related forecasts
c. Identify the factors that influence smoke-management decision-making
d. Calculate and interpret ventilation index values in support of smoke management operations

Estimated time to complete: 90 min

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
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Last published on: 2008-03-28

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Description:
The distribution of vorticity centres along an axis of maximum winds follows a fairly predictable pattern based on the characteristics of the flow. By diagnosing these characteristics, the meteorologist is able to quickly deduce the location and relative intensities of the associated vorticity centres as well as the relative sizes of the associated circulations. This information is summarized within the shape and orientation of the associated deformation zones. The deformation zones in turn reveal important details regarding feature motion and thermal advection and thus their diagnosis should be a critical part of the forecast process. This module takes 30-40 minutes to complete. It is part of the series: "Dynamic Feature Identification: The Satellite Palette".

Objectives:
* Compare the different characteristics of various flow patterns
* Locate the position and predict the relative intensities of vorticity centres along a flow
* Predict the position of the associated deformation zones based on the location and intensities of the vorticity centres

Estimated time to complete: 30-40 min

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
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Last published on: 2008-03-21

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Description:
This module provides a comprehensive overview of the three main dimensions of the fire environment triangle: fuels, topography, and weather. Five interactive case studies illustrate the interdependent influences these three dimensions have on fire behavior. A wide range of fire behavior is also discussed in terms of the environmental factors that support or suppress fire ignition and spread. As part of the Advanced Fire Weather Forecasters Course, this module is meant to introduce forecasters to science of fire behavior.

Objectives:
1. Identify key factors contributing to the fuels dimension of the fire environment triangle, including fuel properties, components, complexes, states, moisture levels, and continuity.
2. Identify key factors contributing to the topography dimension of the fire environment triangle, including slope, aspect, elevation, and soil moisture.
3. Identify key factors contributing to the weather dimension of the fire environment triangle, including temperature, humidity, winds, and instability.
4. Given a case situation including descriptions of fuels, topography, and weather, identify the fire behavior most likely to occur.

Estimated time to complete: 1.5 h

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2008-03-19

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Description:
This is the first module of a two-part series offering an introduction to the science explaining catastrophic dam failure and flood-wave prediction methods associated with these events. Through use of rich illustrations, animations, and interactions, this module explains key terminology and concepts including dam types and purposes, failure statistics, the general dam failure process, open channel hydraulics, critical flow, Manning's equation, and conveyance. The information covered in this two module series will provide a scientific foundation for advanced course work needed to run dam break simulations and to conduct hydraulic modeling as a part of dynamic wave forecasting.

Objectives:
After completing this module you should be able to:
* Define dam-related terminology
* Identify dam types and purposes
* Be familiar with dam failure modes and statistics
* Comprehend the basic principles of open channel hydraulics
* Recognize subcritical, critical, and supercritical flow conditions
* Understand the elements of Manning’s equation
* Be familiar with the concept of conveyance

Estimated time to complete: 45 min

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2008-03-19

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Description:
Chapter 6, The Distribution of Moisture and Precipitation, is the second published chapter of the online textbook, Introduction to Tropical Meteorology. Moisture and precipitation distribution governs life in the tropics. Surplus heating and rising motion in the tropics ignites the global water and energy cycles and influences weather in the midlatitudes. Chapter 6 presents the horizontal and vertical distribution of water vapor, tropical cloud formation and distribution, the lifecycle and precipitation characteristics of tropical mesoscale convective systems, and the variability of tropical precipitation on yearly, seasonal, and hourly time-scales. The online textbook has many special features including individual chapter review questions and quiz, topic focus sections, direct access to operational forecasting topics, box sections that elaborate on theoretical concepts, links to resources for further study, critical thinking questions interspersed throughout the text, icons that identify resource links and critical thinking exercises, and science biographies.

Objectives:
At the end of this chapter, you should understand and be able to describe:

* Why water vapor is important to weather and climate in the tropics
* The range and distribution of water vapor content in the tropics
* The distribution of evaporation and evapotranspiration rates in the tropics
* The formation of tropical clouds by convection
* The general pattern of cloud distribution in the tropics
* The typical profiles of potential temperature (Theta) and equivalent potential temperature (Theta-e) in the tropical atmosphere
* How the Saharan Air Layer and other dry intrusions changes the vertical distribution of moisture thermodynamic energy
* The concept of moist and dry static (thermodynamic) energy and its vertical distribution in the tropics
* How the vertical distribution of moist static energy varies with different modes of convection
* The differences between convective and stratiform rain in tropical mesoscale convective systems
* The effects of continental and maritime aerosols on tropical precipitation
* The geographic distribution of annual tropical precipitation and its variability
* The factors that influence the geographic distribution of tropical precipitation
* The seasonal distribution of precipitation in the tropics and unique regional patterns
* The differences between the diurnal cycle of tropical precipitation over land and over ocean, including the influential factors
* Unique characteristics of the diurnal cycle during the equatorial transition seasons (spring and autumn)
* The factors that influence the amount and location of rainfall on yearly and multi-year time scales

You should also be able to identify and describe:

* The factors that influence evaporation and evapotranspiration rates
* The dominant cloud types in the tropics
* The typical zonal and meridional distribution of cloud depth over the tropical oceans

Estimated time to complete: 1.5-2 h

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2008-03-19

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Description:
Este módulo presenta el uso de los productos de imágenes de microondas para observar y analizar los ciclones tropicales. Hoy en día, los datos de microondas de los satélites en órbita polar son esenciales, especialmente al generar pronóstico marítimos, para los cuales las observaciones in situ son escasas. Este módulo incluye información sobre la estructura de las tormentas y técnicas para determinar con mayor precisión la posición de las tormentas mediante los canales de 37 y 85-91 GHz de los sensores de varios satélites. También se presenta información sobre los sensores actuales y la disponibilidad de los productos en la era de NPOESS.

Objectives:
Cuando termine de estudiar el módulo, usted podrá:

• explicar cómo podemos usar las imágenes de microondas de un canal y multiespectrales para identificar los centros de circulación y otras características del interior de los ciclones tropicales;
• explicar cómo el error de paralaje afecta las imágenes en los diferentes canales de microondas;
• identificar los satélites que llevan a bordo generadores de imágenes y sondas atmosféricas de microondas;
• contrastar las estrategias de percepción remota activa y pasiva por microondas;
• contrastar las estrategias de barrido cónico y lateral;
• explicar cómo las nubes, la precipitación y la superficie del océano interactúan con la energía de microondas de distintas frecuencias;
• asociar las características de la tormenta con los elementos observados en las imágenes de microondas.

Estimated time to complete: 60 min

Includes audio: no

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
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Last published on: 2008-03-13

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Description:
Este módulo, creado bajo la dirección de Sheldon Kusselson (Satellite Analysis Branch, NESDIS), presenta el desarrollo del producto de potencial de precipitación tropical (TraP) y numerosos ejemplos tomados de las temporadas de huracanes más recientes para comparar las cantidades de precipitación pronosticadas por el modelo, las cantidades de precipitación estimadas por TRaP y las lluvias observadas. El módulo concluye con una serie de pautas para usar el producto TRaP y una descripción de las mejoras previstas para el futuro.

Objectives:
Cuando termine de estudiar el módulo, podrá:
• explicar los fundamentos de la técnica TRaP, así como su formulación y los datos de entrada;
• enumerar las suposiciones y las limitaciones de dicha técnica;
• encontrar y acceder a los productos TRaP en internet;
• interpretar las imágenes TRaP para uso al estimar la precipitación.

Estimated time to complete: 1 h

Includes audio: no

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2008-03-06

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Description:
The “Fire Weather Forecasting: Clear Communications” distance learning module offers best practices for Fire Weather Forecasters needing to communicate weather information when deployed in the field. The 30-minute module defines strategies for communicating with Weather Forecast Offices and with customers. Examples include writing a useful fire weather forecast discussion and undertaking proper planning to quickly and accurately disseminate information. This distance learning module is part of the Advanced Fire Weather Forecasters Course.

Objectives:
At the end of this module you should be able to:
1. Identify audiences of fire weather forecasts, forecast discussions, and spot forecasts
2. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of IMET/WFO coordination
3. Describe best practices for writing an effective and useful fire weather forecast discussion

Estimated time to complete: 30 min

Includes audio: no

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
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Last published on: 2008-03-05

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Description:
The “History of the Incident Meteorologist Program” describes the evolution of fire weather support by National Weather Service meteorologists, including the more recent expansion to other hazardous incidents and significant national events. This webcast also reviews the evolution of the Air-Transportable Meteorological Unit (ATMU) into today’s AMRS/FxNet system used by Incident Meteorologists today. This short webcast is part of the Advanced Fire Weather Forecasters Course.

Objectives:
At the end of this module you should be able to:
• Identify key events and milestones in the NWS Fire Weather and IMET program
• Describe the ATMU and its evolution into today's AMRS/FxNet system used by IMETs today
• Describe important customer issues that arose in the 1990s and steps made in recent years to resolve these issues and improve/expand IMET services

Estimated time to complete: 15 min

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2008-02-29

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Description:
This short course provides broadcast meteorologists, educators, and the public with an overview of the evolution of our modern urban environment with a focus on impacts on the urban watershed, air quality, and climate. This course complements the course Watersheds: Connecting Weather to the Environment and both are part of the Earth Gauge™ environmental curriculum for weathercasters and educators. This curriculum is being developed by the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF). [See http://www.earthgauge.net/wp/]

Unit 1, Where We Live, takes a look at past and current U.S. growth patterns and the way our urban areas have evolved from compact population centers to automobile-dependent sprawl. Unit 2, Impacts on the Watershed, explores how the built environment affects the water that moves through an urban watershed. Unit 3, Impacts on the Atmosphere, highlights the way our urban landscape and industrial activities impact the air we breathe and the local climate. Each unit includes information on ways to reduce our impact on our water and air with ideas ranging from simple changes in our commuting and housekeeping habits to changes in how we build houses and roads.

Objectives:
Unit 1: Where We Live
* Understand current growth trends in the United States
* Become aware of the geographic extent and patterns of current growth trends
* Recognize some of the historically significant growth patterns.
* Understand the evolution of American cities and the factors that have driven their growth

Unit 2: Impacts on the Watershed
* Identify aspects of the built environment that are impacted by heavy precipitation events
* Explain the relationship of landscaping and developed land features to maintaining water quality
* Gain an understanding of "low impact" and other site design measures as they relate to improving both water quality and quantity

Unit 3: Impacts on the Atmosphere
* Define the urban heat island (UHI) effect
* List the main mechanisms that cause the UHI
* Describe the climatology of the UHI
* List actions that can mitigate the UHI
* List the major source of air pollutants
* List the five air pollutants monitored by the AIRNow daily air quality index
* Recognize weather conditions that negatively impact air quality
* Become aware of personal actions that can reduce air pollution

Estimated time to complete: 60 min

Includes audio: yes

Required plug-ins:   Flash RealPlayer Java Adobe® Reader®
 * Plug-in information

Last published on: 2008-02-22

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Description:
El objetivo del módulo es enseñar a predecir manualmente cómo la altura y el período de las olas cambia a medida que éstas salen del área de generación, se convierten en oleaje y luego se propagan y se dispersan en las aguas costeras contiguas a la zona de pronóstico. Aunque los modelos numéricos de predicción de olas pueden generar pronósticos de altura y período de oleaje, dependen de la precisión de los pronósticos de vientos de los modelos de predicción atmosférica. Por lo tanto, se necesita cierta destreza para determinar la altura y período del oleaje en forma manual para com