1. transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to the NWS 1 In-House Utilization of AIRS Data and Products for Numerical Weather Prediction Will McCarty SPoRT SAC Tuesday June 12, 2007

2. transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to the NWS 2 Introduction Measurements from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) is being utilized in-house –Near-realtime utilization of AIRS measurements for imagery display and product development –Utilize and disseminate AIRS measurements and products to address forecaster concerns Atmospheric destabilization leading to convective storms and severe weather Fog and low cloud detection at night Diagnose moisture variability at the mesoscale, particularly upstream of developing weather situations Improved short-term prediction of sensible weather elements –Many links to AIRS Radiance Data Assimilation talk tomorrow

3. transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to the NWS 3 Near-Realtime Data Data received from CIMSS direct broadcast –Currently, 5 bands from AIRS and AIRS-VIS available for display on website, but full spectrum is accessible –Demonstration of the utilization of AIRS measurements in NRT –Website access allows for the in-house monitoring of data streams, as well as public dissemination

4. transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to the NWS 4 AIRS Product Generation –Two algorithms are currently run in NRT from AIRS to generate products CO 2 Sorting (321 Bands) –% of Cloud Free Channels CO 2 Slicing (14 Bands) –Cloud Top Pressure –Effective Cloud Fraction –Implementation leads to the further exploration of more in- house product implementation, development, and dissemination Near-Realtime Data AIRS Product Generation –Two algorithms are currently run in NRT from AIRS to generate products CO 2 Sorting (321 Bands) –% of Cloud Free Channels CO 2 Slicing (14 Bands) –Cloud Top Pressure –Effective Cloud Fraction –Implementation leads to the further exploration of more in- house product implementation, development, and dissemination

5. transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to the NWS 5 MODIS CTP vs. AIRS “Clear” Channels MODIS CTP “Clear” Channels (%) Visible agreement is seen between the MODIS CTPs and AIRS usable channels Higher % of usable channels in clear regions, lower % as clouds get higher

6. transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to the NWS 6 Current Work The near-realtime ingest and generation of AIRS measurements and products are being monitored daily –System is stable and running regularly –In research and assessment mode, it allows for the intercomparison to AIRS and MODIS products Ongoing discussions with community, including AIRS Science Team, to provide more advanced information from the instrument to WFOs in near-realtime –Utilize the knowledge base developed over time at SPoRT

7. transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to the NWS 7 Future Work Data Exploitation –Address forecaster needs by utilizing the high vertical resolution of AIRS e.g. combine channels in water vapor region to effectively illustrate moisture structure –Individual channel sensitivities AIRS has the ability to show sensitivity to minor constituents (SO 2, aerosols, etc.) –Investigate enhanced fog and low cloud detection utilizing AIRS data

8. transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to the NWS 8 Future Work Data Products –Address forecaster needs by utilizing products that utilize the high vertical resolution of AIRS Advanced algorithms that can provide a higher accuracy than current sounder-derived products –Use products developed by groups other than the AIRS Science Team Improved estimates of stability, H 2 O v, etc. Improved resolution soundings Composite products Cloud products

9. transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to the NWS 9 Future Work Data Products (cont’d) –Address limitations of the AIRS Science Team products, particularly concerning spatial resolution Instrument resolution is 15 km, which is already coarse AIRS Sci. Team products are based on 3x3 AIRS golf ball –~50 km In many cases, particularly to a forecaster, higher resolution would be desired –Alabama’s northern border is roughly 250 km

10. transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to the NWS 10 Future Work How can AIRS help the end-user? –The AIRS instrument provides a wealth of information –Measurements and products The need to educate the end-users on the interpretation and proper use of AIRS measurements and products is essential Don’t saturate them with information Customize measurements and products to forecast needs, as well as local environment to provide maximum impact on forecast problems Provide crucial information at asynoptic times –Preparation for future instruments (CrIS) –Improved initial conditions and/or forecasts through the assimilation of AIRS measurements and products