Meteorological Satellite Observations And Army Operations

Determination of rainfall from satellite data requires the examination of the following features: (1) Watch for a rapid growth of the anvil cloud. It is a clear indication of strong updrafts inside the cloud. (2) Determine the motion of the head area on the upwind side. If the upwind side does not drift fast, or even stays at the same spot, it is an indication of a giant storm standing against the steering winds. (3) Rainfall does not end when the overshooting tops disappear. A ground truth experiment for interpretation of SMS/GOES data is presented. Included are: (1) techniques for cloud growth analyses from successive pictures, (2) development of a time lapse whole sky photograph program, and (3) the solution of camera calibrations that relate to the cloud height and growth computations. (Author).

This workshop report examines the capability of the forecast system to efficiently transfer weather and climate research findings into improved operational forecast capabilities. It looks in particular at the Environmental Modeling Center of the National Weather Service and environmental observational satellite programs. Using these examples, the report identifies several shortcomings in the capability to transition from research to operations. Successful transitions from R&D to operational implementation requires (1) understanding of the importance (and risks) of the transition, (2) development and maintenance of appropriate transition plans, (3) adequate resource provision, and (4) continuous feedback (in both directions) between the R&D and operational activities.

Lists citations with abstracts for aerospace related reports obtained from world wide sources and announces documents that have recently been entered into the NASA Scientific and Technical Information Database.