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

Description:
Chapter 3: Tropical Remote Sensing Applications, is the first published chapter of the online textbook, "Introduction to Tropical Meteorology." It covers remote sensing—the primary method of observing weather and climate across the global tropics. Learners will become familiar with the scientific basis and applications of radar and satellite remote sensing from examples in which clouds and precipitation are observed by measuring microwave signals using ground-based radar, spaceborne radar, and satellite radiometers. Wind estimation, dust and volcanic ash tracking, vertical sounding techniques, and remote measurement of sea-surface, soil and land surface properties are also covered. 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, users should understand and be able to describe:

* Why remote sensing is important in the tropics
* Several tropical applications of ground-based radars
* The advantages and limitations of airborne and spaceborne radar
* Several tropical meteorology applications of satellite radar and microwave remote sensing
* The benefits and weaknesses of satellite estimates of water vapor content
* How GPS satellite signals are used to derive temperature and humidity profiles and how this benefits tropical meteorology
* The benefits and weaknesses of satellite precipitation estimates
* How lightning is detected by satellite
* The benefits and weaknesses of satellite wind estimation
* Why microwave sensors are useful for identifying surface moisture
* How vegetation and other land use/land cover changes are monitored by satellite
* How meteorologically important features, such as cloud properties, are monitored with satellite imagery
* How satellites are used for air quality assessment, such as dispersion of volcanic ash, chemical pollutants, dust, and smoke

Estimated time to complete: 100-110 mins

Includes audio: no

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

Last published on: 2007-08-31

close

Description:
This website provides access to the streaming presentations and PowerPoint source files for the 11 lectures delivered during the AMS Educational Forum “A Primer on Radar Analysis Techniques Used in Mesoscale Meteorology” held on 23 October 2005 in Albuquerque, NM. The presentations discuss how many advanced techniques for the analysis of meteorological radar data can be used to improve understanding of the structure, dynamics, and evolution of mesoscale circulations. The Forum was organized into four sections: 1) Microphysical Characterization of Precipitation Systems Using Dual-Polarization Radar Measurements, 2) Single Doppler Retrieval and Assimilation Techniques for Use in Mesoscale Models, 3) Analysis of Mesoscale Processes Using Wind Profiling Radars and Velocity Azimuth Display and 4) Airborne Doppler Radar Analysis of Tropical and Extratropical Mesoscale Systems.

Objectives:
The objective of the Forum was primarily to introduce graduate students to important radar analysis techniques as they are used in atmospheric science research with the goal of improving our understanding of the structure, dynamics, and evolution of mesoscale circulations. A basic, formal understanding of both radar and mesoscale meteorology is necessary to gain the most from the lectures. Each individual presentation is rated as either intermediate or advanced level content.

Estimated time to complete: 8 h

Includes audio: yes

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

Last published on: 2006-02-07

close

Description:
This is part one of a two-module series on estimation of observed precipitation. Through use of rich illustrations, animations, and interactions, this module provides an overview of the science of precipitation estimation using various measuring platforms. First, we define quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) and examine technologies for remote sensing of QPE, including radar and satellite and the strengths and limitations of each. That is followed by an examination of the use of rain gauges for precipitation estimation and important issues to consider with rain gauge measurement. Finally we provide an introduction to the strengths and limitations of using precipitation climatology for QPE including PRISM.

Objectives:
1. Define quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE).
2. List the tools used to measure precipitation.
3. Explain a drop size distribution (DSD).
4. Explain a Z-R relationship and its limitations in radar-derived QPE.
5. Explain how the radar’s ability to estimate snow QPE may differ from rain QPE.
6. Understand the basics of radar-derived precipitation from dual-polarized radar.
7. Illustrate what is meant by inconsistency in radar sampling and coverage.
8. Be able to use radar climatology guidance.
9. Describe the uses and limitations of satellite QPE.
10. List some of the limitations of rain gauge measurements.
11. Explain how wind, exposure, and turbulence can influence gauge catch for rain.
12. Explain how the gauge performance for snow may differ from rain.
13. Describe other ways to obtain snow water equivalent.
14. Describe the general strengths and limitations of measurement from automated gauges.
15. Explain how the strengths and limitations of manual gauge reports may differ from those of automated gauges.
16. Describe how precipitation climatology may enhance QPE.
17. Explain some key limitations of precipitation climatology.
18. Describe weather situations that would likely result in useful estimates from each of the three measurement tools: radar, satellite, and rain gauges.

Estimated time to complete: .75 - 1 h

Includes audio: yes

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

Last published on: 2009-06-03

close