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

Description:
Aimed at those who do not have formal training in hydrology, this course is designed to address the needs of non-hydrologists who work with hydrologic data, particularly in flood forecasting. The course is intended to provide an understanding of the complex interactions between the waters of the land and atmosphere and will prepare the student for further study in this area.

This course consists of an orientation, eight foundation topics and two case study modules. The orientation provides an overview of all the components of the course. The introductory foundation topic provides a basic background on fundamental concepts in the hydrologic sciences. Other foundation topics focus on specific areas of the hydrologic sciences, covering terminology and assumptions as well as critical processes and considerations for hydrologic forecasters. Case study modules integrate foundation material into realistic forecast situations.

Course certification requires completion of the seven core topics which takes about eight to ten hours.

Special interest foundation topics address hydrologic processes that involve snow and ice, and may also be considered required topics for many regions even though they are not core topics. Related topics are not specifically part of this course but provide important material related to hydrologic forecasting.

Estimated time to complete: 10 - 12 h

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Description:
This presentation by Dr. Eve Gruntfest raises important issues of how floods and other disasters, including land-falling hurricanes and their related warnings, affect public attitudes and actions. Awareness of these social science considerations is important for persons responsible for public weather warnings as well as other types of public interaction.

Estimated time to complete: 30 min

Includes audio: yes

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

Last published on: 2001-03-26

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Description:
The “Introduction to Ensemble Streamflow Prediction” module provides basic information on probabilistic streamflow forecasting. In this webcast, Dr. Richard Koehler, the National Hydrologic Sciences Training Coordinator for NOAA's NWS, presents information about the types of organizations that might use probabilistic streamflow forecasts as well as foundation concepts and background for ESP methods. The module begins with a brief review of hydrologic models including deterministic, stochastic, and scenario-based approaches. It then provides an overview of time-series approaches including a summary of traditional techniques such as flood frequency, flood analysis, statistical analysis, and trend analysis. Finally, the module presents the basics of ESP techniques including an explanation of its strengths, weaknesses, and appropriate application. The module also provides guidance on how to interpret ensemble forecast products.

Objectives:
Describe terminology and definitions for Ensemble Streamflow Prediction, or ESP:
- Use standard language to describe ESP.
- Explain what time series, realizations, and ensembles represent.
- Describe basic processes using output from scenario-based deterministic models and traditional streamflow analysis methods.

Describe methods and techniques used in ESP:
- Describe current modeling methods and tools used in trace plots.
- Describe product output from ESP.
- Describe use of verification of ESP products.

Estimated time to complete: 60 min

Includes audio: yes

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

Last published on: 2007-01-30

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Description:
Hazardous weather affects us all. To help local emergency managers cope with weather hazards they may face, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) offer a course titled Hazardous Weather and Flooding Preparedness. However, many people who make weather-related decisions are unable to attend this 2-3 day course.

The purpose of this Web-based course, Anticipating Hazardous Weather and Community Risk, is to provide background on weather and weather hazards for emergency managers and other decision makers. This course is intended to complement on-site courses offered by FEMA and NWS, so that they can focus on local hazards and community risk factors.

This course covers…

Weather: How and why it forms,
Hazardous weather: Fact sheets on different phenomena,
Forecasting weather: The forecast process and products issued by the NWS,
Warning Partnership: How the NWS and emergency managers generate and communicate warnings, and a
Desktop Exercise: An opportunity to apply what you have learned in a flash flood scenario.
FEMA Independent Study credit is available for those who complete the course and pass the exam. The subject matter experts for Anticipating Hazardous Weather and Community Risk are Randall C. Duncan, CEM - Sedgwick County (KS) Emergency Management, Bob Glancy - NWS, Bob Goldhammer - Polk County (IA) Emergency Management, Curt Nellis - County of Shenandoah (VA) Department of Fire and Rescue, John Ogren - NWS, and Bruce Sterling - Portsmouth (VA) Emergency Management.

Objectives:
• Explain basic processes that cause and/or signal hazardous weather
• List the main weather hazards and the factors that determine community risk
• Describe the basic weather forecasting process and its limitations
• Discuss various techniques for communicating information about weather hazards
• Distinguish which NWS forecast products are appropriate in various situations
• Analyze various source of information about a weather hazard and formulate a plan for dealing with a potential disaster

Estimated time to complete: 4-5 h

Includes audio: yes

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

Last published on: 2001-03-08

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Description:
This brief presentation provides an overview of the COMET Basic Hydrologic Sciences course including: goal and target audiences, structure of the course and adapting it to your needs, and a brief description of course components.

Objectives:
1. Describe goal and target audiences of the COMET Basic Hydrologic Sciences course.

2. Be familiar with the structure of the Basic Hydrologic Sciences course and how to adapt it to your needs.

3. Briefly describe the course components of the Basic Hydrologic Sciences course.

Estimated time to complete: 15 min

Includes audio: yes

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

Last published on: 2007-10-01

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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:
This module takes the learner through seven case studies of flash flood events that occurred in the conterminous U.S. between 2003 and 2006. The cases covered include:

* 30-31 August 2003: Chase & Lyon Counties, KS
* 16-17 September 2004: Macon County, NC
* 31 July 2006: Santa Catalina Mountains near Tucson, AZ
* 25 December 2003: Fire burn area near San Bernardino, CA
* 30 August 2004: Urban flash flood in Richmond, VA
* 19-20 August 2003: Urban flash flood in Las Vegas, NV
* 9 October 2005: Cheshire County, NH

This module assists the learner in applying the concepts covered in the foundation topics of the Basic Hydrologic Sciences course. Some of the specific topics pertinent to these cases are the physical characteristics that make a basin prone to flash floods, basin response to precipitation, flash flood guidance (FFG), the relationship between wildfire and flash floods, and the relationship between urban development and flash floods. Related topics brought out in the cases include radar quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE), the National Weather Service Flash Flood Monitoring and Prediction (NWS FFMP) products, debris flows, impounded water, and interagency communications. The core foundation topics are recommended prerequisite materials since this module assumes some pre-existing knowledge of hydrologic principles. In particular, the Runoff Processes and Flash Flood Processes modules contain material directly related to these cases.

Objectives:
1. Understand the hydrologic response to intense rainfall that leads to rapid runoff and flash floods.

2. Recognize the utility and limitations in NWS flash flood forecasting tools (FFMP, FFG, Radar QPE).

3. Understand that flash flood prone basins can be very small.

4. Identify the LEC (Low Echo Centroid) storm signature and realize its implications on rainfall production.

5. Understand the utility and limitations of different Z-R relationships.

6. Recognize the information provided by FFMP's (Flash Flood Monitoring and Prediction) upstream/downstream tool.

7. Recall how and why FFMP basin rainfall can mask radar problems such as terrain blocking.

8. Think about how one may use other data in areas with terrain blocking of the radar beam.

9. Understand the impact that fire may have on basin hydrology.

10. Recall how debris flows can occur with flash floods.

11. Understand how changing the FFG values may be appropriate in some situations.

12. Recognize the important information provided by FFMP's difference and ratio fields.

13. Be aware of important collaborative efforts between the NWS and other agencies, such as the USGS.

14. Understand the dramatic impact that urban and suburban development can have on basin response.

15. Understand how and why FFG may need to be altered in urbanized areas.

16. Anticipate the very short time lag between peak rainfall and peak flooding in urbanized areas.

17. Recognize that flash flooding may occur downstream of basins that receive the greatest rainfall.

18. Recognize the potential of flash flooding from the sudden release of water impounded by human engineered structures.

19. Recognize the importance of interagency communication prior to and during flash flood events, especially those that involve structural failures.

Estimated time to complete: 1 h

Includes audio: yes

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

Last published on: 2007-06-26

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Description:
According to NOAA’s National Weather Service, a flash flood is a life-threatening flood that begins within 6 hours--and often within 3 hours--of a causative event. That causative event can be intense rainfall, the failure of a dam, levee, or other structure that is impounding water, or the sudden rise of water level associated with river ice jams.
The “Flash Flood Processes” module offers an introduction to the distinguishing features of flash floods, the underlying hydrologic influences and the use of flash flood guidance (FFG) products. Through use of rich illustrations, animations, and interactions, this module explains the differences between flash floods and general floods and examines the hydrologic processes that impact flash flooding risk. In addition, it provides an introduction to the use of flash flood guidance (FFG) products including derivation from ThreshR and rainfall-runoff curves as well as current strengths and limitations.

Objectives:
Define a flash flood:
• Distinguish a flash flood from a general flood
• Identify the different physical processes leading to flash floods
• Recognize the connection between precipitation intensity and runoff characteristics associated with flash floods

Explain hydrologic influences on flash floods:
• Apply information about the runoff processes to the flash flood problem
• Explain why certain soil textures and soil profiles may result in greater flash flood risks
• Which physical characteristics make a basin more prone to flash flooding
• How quickly and frequently flash floods can occur in urban environments
• How fires and deforestation impact the flash flood risk

Understand key issues underlying the use of flash flood guidance (FFG) products:
• The definition of flash flood guidance
• How threshold runoff (ThreshR) and rainfall-runoff curves are used to derive flash flood guidance
• How flash flood guidance is generated for different spatial entities (headwater, county, gridded) and time durations
• Recognize when and how limitations can impact forecasts

Estimated time to complete: 1 h

Includes audio: yes

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

Last published on: 2006-11-08

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Description:
The Flood Frequency Analysis module offers an introduction to the use of flood frequency analysis for flood prediction and planning. Through use of rich illustrations, animations, and interactions, this module explains the basic concepts, underlying issues, and methods for analyzing flood data. Common concepts such as the 100-year flood and return periods as well as issues affecting the statistical representation of floods are discussed. Common flood data analysis methods as well as an overview of design events are also covered. As a foundation topic for the Basic Hydrologic Science course, this module may be taken on its own, but it will also be available as a supporting topic providing factual scientific information to support students in completion of the case-based forecasting modules.

Objectives:

1. Explain key concepts in flood frequency analysis
• Define the meaning of return periods (i.e., the 100-year flood)
• Explain the exceedance probability and its relationship to return period
• Understand the two primary applications of flood frequency analyses


2. Understand key issues impacting the statistical representation of floods
• Explain how the period of record impacts flood frequency guidance
• Calculate the probability of occurrence or non-occurrence for a given flood magnitude over a specified duration
• Understand how basin changes may impact the behavior and frequency of floods, thus reducing the length of the period of record


3. Apply common methods for analyzing flood data
• Explain the basic concepts underlying both annual and partial duration time series
• Conduct a frequency analysis given peak flow data for a river


4. Explain purpose and application of design events
• Identify the reason for using design events
• Understand the usefulness of design events and their limitations and constraints
• Explain the concept of probable maximum event
• Understand the concept of standard project floods

Estimated time to complete: 1-2 h

Includes audio: yes

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

Last published on: 2006-10-10

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Description:
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. This module takes about 75 minutes to complete.

Objectives:
After completing this module, learners will be able to:
• State the definition of total precipitable water
• State the definition of cloud liquid water
• Describe the difference between window regions and absorption regions of the electromagnetic spectrum
• Describe how precipitation rates are derived over land and ocean
• Describe the goals of the Global Precipitation Monitoring Program
• Interpret total precipitable water, cloud liquid water, and precipitation products presented in case examples

Estimated time to complete: 75 min

Includes audio: yes

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

Last published on: 2006-10-06

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Description:
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.

Objectives:
• State the basis of the TRaP technique, its formulation, and inputs
• State the assumptions and the limitations of the technique
• Find and access TRaP products on the Internet
• Interpret TRaP imagery for use in precipitation estimation

Estimated time to complete: 1 h

Includes audio: yes

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

Last published on: 2004-04-19

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Description:
In this module, Wes Junker, retired Senior Branch Forecaster at NCEP/HPC provides an introduction to Quantitative Precipitation Forecasting, as well as two presentations targeted at QPF issues for the conterminous U.S. (1) east of the Rockies and (2) in and west of the Rockies.

Objectives:
Introduction

1. Recall the three main factors to use when composing a QPF.
2. Explain which meteorological factors affect the quantitative part of QPF.
3. Identify meteorological factors that affect precipitation intensity.
4. Apply pattern recognition skills for anticipating precipitation.
5. Anticipate the influences to QPF from both synoptic and mesoscale processes.
6. Use soundings and the associated instability measures in QPFs.
7. Explain the mechanisms of cell movement and propagation.
8. Identify important impacts on QPF from propagation characteristics.
9. Anticipate how jet dynamics may influence precipitation amount and distribution.
10. Understand some of the unique aspects of tropical systems when composing QPF.

East and West of the Rockies

1. Understand the meteorological processes that occur with the Maddox type events (synoptic, frontal, mesohigh, western types).
2. Recall the climatology of heavy rainfall events for your area.
3. Explain how theta-e is used in forecasting heavy precipitation.
4. Anticipate how terrain impacts heavy precipitation events.
5. Recall the general differences between warm- and cool-season QPF.

Estimated time to complete: 120 min

Includes audio: yes

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

Last published on: 2007-11-01

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Description:
It is the first streaming video Webcast released by the COMET Program. This interactive and entertaining presentation serves as a helpful reminder of the problems that can plague rain gauge performance including specifics regarding the widely used ASOS rain gauge. The material is suitable for anyone who deploys gauges or routinely uses precipitation gauge data.


A version of this Webcast that can be installed on your computer for local playback is also provided.

Estimated time to complete: 40 min

Includes audio: yes

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

Last published on: 2001-02-05

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Description:
This module takes the learner through the considerations for the river forecasting decisions associated with the remnants of Hurricane Ivan on 17-19 September, 2004 for the Susquehanna River system in Pennsylvania and New York. The module assists the learner with applying the concepts covered in the foundation topics of the Basic Hydrologic Sciences course. Some of the specific topics pertinent to this case are soil conditions, the impact of QPF on runoff, runoff models, runoff processes, routed flow and stage-discharge relationships. Observations of upstream conditions and comparisons to historic crests are also examined to assist with operational flood forecast decisions. The core foundation topics are recommended as a prerequisite since this module assumes some pre-existing knowledge of hydrologic principles.

Objectives:
1. Describe hydrologic conditions in the Susquehanna River basin preceding the events associated with the remnants of Hurricane Ivan in the Susquehanna River Basin on the 17-19 September 2004.

a. Describe the local geography and its impact on storm runoff
b. Use climatology as a reference for potential storm impacts
c. Describe soil texture, soil profile, and ground cover conditions for the region
d. Analyze antecedent soil moisture levels for the area

2. Analyze the observed and forecast rainfall, current factors influencing runoff, and the initial river forecasts for the Susquehanna River preceding this event.

a. Analyze rainfall and soil information and anticipate the impact on runoff
b. Interpret runoff information from river models
c. Anticipate how errors in the QPF may impact the magnitude of runoff

3. Apply knowledge of runoff processes and river modeling to observed and historic streamflows to develop a forecast for the Susquehanna River at Wilkes-Barre for this event.

a. Analyze and anticipate dominant runoff mechanisms during a developing flood event
b. Examine the relative contributions from different components of the forecast hydrograph
c. Examine how changes in precipitation can influence the expected crest
d. Analyze how precipitation forecast errors impact runoff forecast errors
e. Anticipate the impact of runoff that is routed from upstream areas
f. Use observations and historic information to assess the likelihood of the predicted extreme event
g. Interpret and adjust guidance from river forecasting models
h. Issue a river forecast despite uncertainties
i. Appreciate how forecaster experience can play a very important role in the forecast process.

4. Assess lessons learned during the forecast process leading up to and during this flood event.

a. Validate how the river forecast model did for the peak stage
b. Interpret how the different components of the river model contributed to the forecast and its errors
c. Explain the important role of accurate stage-discharge relationships
d. Relate this event to previous major flood events

Estimated time to complete: 120 min

Includes audio: yes

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

Last published on: 2007-06-12

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Description:
The “River Ice Processes” module provides information on flooding associated with river ice jams. In this webcast, Dr. Kate White, nationally-recognized expert on river ice, explores basic river ice processes including the formation, growth, breakup, and transport of river ice and how it can become jammed, triggering floods. In addition, Dr. White covers the current, state-of-the-art ice jam forecasting, and current ice-modeling research and development being conducted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. As a foundation topic for the Basic Hydrologic Science course, this module may be taken on its own, but it will also be available as a supporting topic providing factual scientific information to support students in completion of the case-based forecasting modules.

Objectives:
Describe factors leading to flash floods due to ice jams.
• Use standard language to describe ice jams.
• Describe basic ice processes including: formation, growth, breakup, and transport.
• Explain why ice jams form.

Describe methods and techniques used in prediction and forecasting of ice jams.
• Describe current modeling methods and tools used in ice jam prediction.
• Describe current research and development projects underway at the Cold Regions
Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
• Describe other tools and resources available through CRREL.

Estimated time to complete: 1 h

Includes audio: yes

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

Last published on: 2006-11-10

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Description:
The Runoff Processes module offers a thorough introduction to the runoff processes critical for flood and water supply prediction. Through the use of rich illustrations, animations, and interactions, this module explains key terminology and concepts including paths to runoff, basin and soil properties and runoff modeling. It also provides an introduction to the National Weather Service River Forecast System (NWSRFS). As a foundation topic for the Basic Hydrologic Science course, this module may be taken on its own or used as a supporting topic to provide factual scientific information to students as they complete the case-based forecasting modules.

Objectives:
Explain basic runoff processes:
* Define rainfall runoff
* Identify the general movement of water both on the surface and in the ground
* Recognize the different terms associated with groundwater and runoff
* Understand the relationship between precipitation/snowmelt rate and infiltration

Describe the paths for runoff:
* Identify the different types of runoff that occur both at and below the surface
* Recognize the influence of surface and soil properties that influence surface runoff
* Understand the soil properties that influence subsurface runoff, or interflow
* Anticipate the types of runoff you may expect in your area given the rainfall/snowmelt rate and the soil properties

Explain basic basin issues related to runoff:
* Recognize basin characteristics and how the relate to runoff processes
* Explain the impact of urbanization on runoff characteristics

Describe how soil properties affect runoff:
* Anticipate water movement and runoff given soil characteristics
* Identify important soil properties in your area
* Understand how both natural and human factors influence the behavior of water in the soil

Describe basic concepts of runoff modeling:
* Understand the basic concepts in runoff modeling
* Recognize why complex versus simple models are used
* Describe how a lumped model works
* Describe how a semi-distributed model works
* Describe how a distributed model works and the potential advantages as well as limitations

Describe features of basic National Weather Service River Forecast System (NWRFS) models:
* The key components and subcomponents of the NWRFS
* Basic concepts behind and components of the SACSMA model
* Basic concepts behind and components of the API and Continuous API models

Estimated time to complete: 2-2.5 h

Includes audio: yes

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

Last published on: 2006-06-13

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Description:
This module helps the student develop an understanding of the contribution of snowmelt in the hydrologic forecasting process. The module first explains the influences of wind, sun, terrain, and vegetation on snow water