NOAA's Role in Space-Based Global Precipitation Estimation and Application (2007) / Chapter Skim
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4 NOAA Preparation for Early Exploitation of New Space-Based Precipitation Data
4 NOAA Preparation for Early Exploitation of New Space-Based Precipitation Data
Pages 72-89
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From page 72... ...
mission by the launch of the GPM core satellite. This chapter is organized into two sections: the NOAA-NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration)
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From page 73... ...
, NASA and NOAA established the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Research and Operations in 2004.2 The JWG identified global precipitation as one of five initial capabilities for which to prepare a research-to-operations plan.
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The NOAA steering group on space-based precipitation missions should serve as a focal point at NOAA to coordinate GPM partnership activities with NASA and should oversee implementa tion of the GPM strategic plan recommended by this committee.
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These data include visible-infrared and microwave measurements from NOAA-operated satellites or satellite data that NOAA anticipates receiving in near real time, through collaboration with DOD in some cases. The sources of such data include the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES)
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for GEOSS. As noted in Chapter 3, it now seems likely that GSICS will be implemented long before launch of the GPM core satellite.
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-- that is, the evaluation will provide a learning opportunity that ultimately leads to better spaceborne precipitation estimates. NOAA can provide a wide range of observational assets for the ground validation research program that will improve the quality of precipitation products in the GPM era, with obvious return benefits to NOAA operations.
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who use the data in their research-and-development activities, can be productively involved in identifying potential ground validation sites and data sets that would be of value for algorithm development and validation. Finding: NOAA can provide a wide range of assets to assist GPM in mounting a comprehensive ground validation program over North
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aboard the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and the GPM core satellite yield more direct observations of precipitation (encir cled 2)
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The Hydrometeorological Test bed concept aims to accelerate the infusion of new technologies, models, and scientific results from the research community into daily National Weather Service forecasting operations. The Hydrometeorological Testbed is conceived as a pro cess in which ideas for improved products and services are demonstrated in a quasi-operational setting (Figure 4.2)
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81 EARLY EXPLOITATION OF NEW SPACE-BASED PRECIPITATION DATA FIGURE 4.3 Regional focal areas for the Hydrometeorological Testbed.
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. The National Climatic Data Center may archive TRMM data as NOAA prepares for the GPM era; the National Climatic Data Center is engaged in discussions with NASA on this matter.
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Thus, significant advances in NWP forecast skill are expected through development of data assimilation systems that are better suited to handling precipitation, cloud, and soil moisture information. Typically, it takes 1-3 years to implement a new observation type into the operational data assimilation systems at NCEP and other NWP centers.
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As a joint, distributed center it engages units of NASA (Goddard Space Flight Center [GSFC] , Global Modeling and Assimilation Office [GMAO]
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The assimilation of precipitation and cloud information is one of six priority research areas identified by JCSDA management for the proposal-driven scientific projects. Topics of particular interest within this research area include • assimilation of radiances in cloudy and precipitating areas, • specification of observation error and forward model covariance statistics under a variety of cloud and precipitation conditions, and • definition of background error covariance statistics for various cloud mixing ratios predicted by cloud prognostic schemes and cumulus parameterization schemes.
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Finding: Given the lead time required to bring new precipitation data into operational assimilation schemes and given the potential gains in forecast skill from doing so, NOAA can begin preparing now for assimilating data in the GPM era to ensure that its opera tional forecast models, forecasters, and product users are ready for GPM data as soon as possible after launch of the GPM core satel lite. The existing microwave imagers in orbit are either similar or identical to those that will be flown with GPM; only the GPM core satellite with its dual-frequency precipitation radar instrument is not available (although TRMM has a single-frequency precipita tion radar)
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From page 87... ...
Finding: U.S. and international data assimilation scientists and op erational NWP centers benefit mutually in terms of shared inter ests, knowledge, and resources from joint engagement in sensor design and calibration-validation teams and through collaboration with algorithm developers and personnel from large, interrelated projects (e.g., GEWEX and the World Climate Research Programme)
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Observing System Simulation Experiments allow quantification of the relative contribution of single observation types to NWP model forecast skill. Using GPM as an example, these experiments require a data assimilation system that is capable of assimilating rainfall observations so that different configurations of observing systems with and without rainfall observations can be compared.
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From page 89... ...
In this regard, the user conferences are held with the goal of infusing user requirements into the design, operation, and implementation of GOES-R services. SUMMARY NOAA's partnership with NASA for the GPM mission is essential to ensure that NOAA's operational forecast models, forecasters, and product users are ready for GPM data as soon as possible after launch of the GPM core satellite.
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