Committee on Weather Radar Technology Beyond NEXRAD's Books

Weather Radar Technology Beyond NEXRAD

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate,Committee on Weather Radar Technology Beyond NEXRAD

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Weather Radar Technology Beyond NEXRAD

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate,Committee on Weather Radar Technology Beyond NEXRAD

Weather radar is a vital instrument for observing the atmosphere to help provide weather forecasts and issue weather warnings to the public. The current Next Generation Weather Radar (NEXRAD) system provides Doppler radar coverage to most regions of the United States (NRC, 1995). This network was designed in the mid 1980s and deployed in the 1990s as part of the National Weather Service (NWS) modernization (NRC, 1999). Since the initial design phase of the NEXRAD program, considerable advances have been made in radar technologies and in the use of weather radar for monitoring and prediction. The development of new technologies provides the motivation for appraising the status of the current weather radar system and identifying the most promising approaches for the development of its eventual replacement. The charge to the committee was to determine the state of knowledge regarding ground-based weather surveillance radar technology and identify the most promising approaches for the design of the replacement for the present Doppler Weather Radar. This report presents a first look at potential approaches for future upgrades to or replacements of the current weather radar system. The need, and schedule, for replacing the current system has not been established, but the committee used the briefings and deliberations to assess how the current system satisfies the current and emerging needs of the operational and research communities and identified potential system upgrades for providing improved weather forecasts and warnings. The time scale for any total replacement of the system (20- to 30-year time horizon) precluded detailed investigation of the designs and cost structures associated with any new weather radar system. The committee instead noted technologies that could provide improvements over the capabilities of the evolving NEXRAD system and recommends more detailed investigation and evaluation of several of these technologies. In the course of its deliberations, the committee developed a sense that the processes by which the eventual replacement radar system is developed and deployed could be as significant as the specific technologies adopted. Consequently, some of the committee's recommendations deal with such procedural issues.

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165

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0309169453

ISBN 13

9780309169455

Weather Radar Technology Beyond NEXRAD

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate,Committee on Weather Radar Technology Beyond NEXRAD

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Weather Radar Technology Beyond NEXRAD

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate,Committee on Weather Radar Technology Beyond NEXRAD

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165

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National Academies Press

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ISBN 10

0309084660

ISBN 13

9780309084666

Evaluation of the Multifunction Phased Array Radar Planning Process

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate,Committee on the Evaluation of the Multifunction Phased Array Radar Planning Process

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Evaluation of the Multifunction Phased Array Radar Planning Process

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate,Committee on the Evaluation of the Multifunction Phased Array Radar Planning Process

The Multifunction Phased Array Radar (MPAR) is one potentially cost-effective solution to meet the surveillance needs and of several agencies currently using decades-old radar networks. These agencies including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration s (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have many and varied requirements and possible applications of modern radar technology. This book analyzes what is lacking in the current system, the relevant capabilities of phased array technology, technical challenges, cost issues, and compares possible alternatives. Both specific and overarching recommendations are outlined.

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0309124328

ISBN 13

9780309124324

Observing Weather and Climate from the Ground Up

A Nationwide Network of Networks

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate,Committee on Developing Mesoscale Meteorological Observational Capabilities to Meet Multiple National Needs

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Observing Weather and Climate from the Ground Up

A Nationwide Network of Networks

Detailed weather observations on local and regional levels are essential to a range of needs from forecasting tornadoes to making decisions that affect energy security, public health and safety, transportation, agriculture and all of our economic interests. As technological capabilities have become increasingly affordable, businesses, state and local governments, and individual weather enthusiasts have set up observing systems throughout the United States. However, because there is no national network tying many of these systems together, data collection methods are inconsistent and public accessibility is limited. This book identifies short-term and long-term goals for federal government sponsors and other public and private partners in establishing a coordinated nationwide "network of networks" of weather and climate observations.

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250

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0309129869

ISBN 13

9780309129862

The National Weather Service Modernization and Associated Restructuring

A Retrospective Assessment

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate,Committee on the Assessment of the National Weather Service's Modernization Program

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The National Weather Service Modernization and Associated Restructuring

A Retrospective Assessment

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate,Committee on the Assessment of the National Weather Service's Modernization Program

The Modernization and Associated Restructuring (MAR) of the National Weather Service (NWS) was a large and complex re-engineering of a federal agency. The process lasted a decade and cost an estimated $4.5 billion. The result was greater integration of science into weather service activities and improved outreach and coordination with users of weather information. The MAR created a new, modernized NWS, and, significantly, it created a framework that will allow the NWS to keep up with technological changes in a more evolutionary manner. The MAR was both necessary and generally well executed. However, it required revolutionary, often difficult, changes. The procurement of large, complex technical systems presented challenges in and of itself. The MAR also affected the career paths and personal lives of a large portion of the field office workforce. The MAR created a new, modernized NWS, and, significantly, it created a framework that will allow the NWS to keep up with technological changes in a more evolutionary manner. The National Weather Service Modernization and Associated Restructuring presents the first comprehensive assessment of the execution of the MAR and its impact on the provision of weather services in the United States. This report provides an assessment that addresses the past modernization as well as lessons learned to support future improvements to NWS capabilities.

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120

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0309218012

ISBN 13

9780309218016

NOAA's Role in Space-Based Global Precipitation Estimation and Application

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate,Committee on the Future of Rainfall Measuring Missions

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NOAA's Role in Space-Based Global Precipitation Estimation and Application

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate,Committee on the Future of Rainfall Measuring Missions

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) uses precipitation data in many applications including hurricane forecasting. Currently, NOAA uses data collected from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite that was launched in 1997 by NASA in cooperation with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. NASA is now making plans to launch the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) mission in 2013 to succeed TRMM, which was originally intended as a 3 to 5 year mission but has enough fuel to orbit until 2012. The GPM mission consists of a "core" research satellite flying with other "constellation" satellites to provide global precipitation data products at three-hour intervals. This book is the second in a 2-part series from the National Research Council on the future of rainfall measuring missions. The book recommends that NOAA begin its GPM mission preparations as soon as possible and that NOAA develop a strategic plan for the mission using TRMM experience as a guide. The first book in the series, Assessment of the Benefits of Extending the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (December 2004), recommended that the TRMM mission be extended as long as possible because of the quality, uniqueness, and many uses of its data. NASA has officially extended the TRMM mission until 2009.

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142

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0309102987

ISBN 13

9780309102988

Weather Services for the Nation

Becoming Second to None

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate,Committee on the Assessment of the National Weather Service's Modernization Program

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Weather Services for the Nation

Becoming Second to None

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate,Committee on the Assessment of the National Weather Service's Modernization Program

During the 1980s and 1990s, the National Weather Service (NWS) undertook a major program called the Modernization and Associated Restructuring (MAR). The MAR was officially completed in 2000. No comprehensive assessment of the execution of the MAR plan, or comparison of the promised benefits of the MAR to its actual impact, had ever been conducted. Therefore, Congress asked the National Academy of Sciences to conduct an end-to-end assessment. That report, The National Weather Service Modernization and Associated Restructuring: A Retrospective Assessment, concluded that the MAR was a success. Now, twelve years after the official completion of the MAR, the challenges faced by the NWS are no less important than those of the pre-MAR era. The three key challenges are: 1) Keeping Pace with accelerating scientific and technological advancement, 2) Meeting Expanding and Evolving User Needs in an increasingly information centric society, and 3) Partnering with an Increasingly Capable Enterprise that has grown considerably since the time of the MAR. Weather Services for the Nation presents three main recommendations for responding to these challenges. These recommendations will help the NWS address these challenges, making it more agile and effective. This will put it on a path to becoming second to none at integrating advances in science and technology into its operations and at meeting user needs, leading in some areas and keeping pace in others. It will have the highest quality core capabilities among national weather services. It will have a more agile organizational structure and workforce that allow it to directly or indirectly reach more end-users, save more lives, and help more businesses. And it will have leveraged these capabilities through the broader enterprise. This approach will make possible societal benefits beyond what the NWS budget alone allows.

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Page Count

110

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0309259754

ISBN 13

9780309259750

Urban Meteorology

Forecasting, Monitoring, and Meeting Users' Needs

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate,Committee on Urban Meteorology: Scoping the Problem, Defining the Needs

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Urban Meteorology

Forecasting, Monitoring, and Meeting Users' Needs

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate,Committee on Urban Meteorology: Scoping the Problem, Defining the Needs

According to the United Nations, three out of five people will be living in cities worldwide by the year 2030. The United States continues to experience urbanization with its vast urban corridors on the east and west coasts. Although urban weather is driven by large synoptic and meso-scale features, weather events unique to the urban environment arise from the characteristics of the typical urban setting, such as large areas covered by buildings of a variety of heights; paved streets and parking areas; means to supply electricity, natural gas, water, and raw materials; and generation of waste heat and materials. Urban Meteorology: Forecasting, Monitoring, and Meeting Users' Needs is based largely on the information provided at a Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate community workshop. This book describes the needs for end user communities, focusing in particular on needs that are not being met by current urban-level forecasting and monitoring. Urban Meteorology also describes current and emerging meteorological forecasting and monitoring capabilities that have had and will likely have the most impact on urban areas, some of which are not being utilized by the relevant end user communities. Urban Meteorology explains that users of urban meteorological information need high-quality information available in a wide variety of formats that foster its use and within time constraints set by users' decision processes. By advancing the science and technology related to urban meteorology with input from key end user communities, urban meteorologists can better meet the needs of diverse end users. To continue the advancement within the field of urban meteorology, there are both short-term needs-which might be addressed with small investments but promise large, quick returns-as well as future challenges that could require significant efforts and investments.

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190

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0309252172

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9780309252171

Assessment of the Benefits of Extending the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission

A Perspective from the Research and Operations Communities: Interim Report

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate,Committee on the Future of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission

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Assessment of the Benefits of Extending the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission

A Perspective from the Research and Operations Communities: Interim Report

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate,Committee on the Future of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission

Launched jointly in 1997 by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) is a satellite mission that placed a unique suite of instruments, including the first precipitation radar, in space. These instruments are used to monitor and predict tropical cyclone tracks and intensity, estimate rainfall, and monitor climate variability (precipitation and sea surface temperature). TRMM has been collecting data for seven years; this data is used by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, the National Center for Environmental Prediction, and the National Hurricane Center, among others worldwide. In July 2004, NASA announced that it would terminate TRMM in August 2004. At the request of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the White House, and the science community, NASA agreed to continue TRMM operations through the end of 2004. Meanwhile, NASA asked a National Research Council (NRC) committee to provide advice on the benefits of keeping TRMM in operation beyond 2004. After holding a workshop with a number of experts in the field, the committee found that TRMM will contribute significantly to operations and science if the mission is extended; and therefore, strongly recommends continued operation of TRMM with the caveat that cost and risk will need to be further examined before a final decision about the future of TRMM can be made.

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116

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0309102820

ISBN 13

9780309102827

A Vision for the National Weather Service

Road Map for the Future

By: Panel on the Road Map for the Future,National Weather Service Modernization Committee,Commission on Engineering and Technical Systems,Division on Engineering and Physical Sciences,National Weather Service,National Research Council

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A Vision for the National Weather Service

Road Map for the Future

In this study, the committee explores ways the National Weather Service (NWS) can take advantage of continuing advances in science and technology to meet the challenges of the future. The predictions are focused on the target year 2025. Because specific predictions about the state of science and technology or the NWS more than 25 years in the future will not be entirely accurate, the goal of this report is to identify and highlight trends that are most likely to influence change. The Panel on the Road Map for the Future National Weather Service developed an optimistic vision for 2025 based on advances in science and technology.

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0309518164

ISBN 13

9780309518161

Assessment of Intraseasonal to Interannual Climate Prediction and Predictability

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate,Committee on Assessment of Intraseasonal to Interannual Climate Prediction and Predictability

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Assessment of Intraseasonal to Interannual Climate Prediction and Predictability

More accurate forecasts of climate conditions over time periods of weeks to a few years could help people plan agricultural activities, mitigate drought, and manage energy resources, amongst other activities; however, current forecast systems have limited ability on these time- scales. Models for such climate forecasts must take into account complex interactions among the ocean, atmosphere, and land surface. Such processes can be difficult to represent realistically. To improve the quality of forecasts, this book makes recommendations about the development of the tools used in forecasting and about specific research goals for improving understanding of sources of predictability. To improve the accessibility of these forecasts to decision-makers and researchers, this book also suggests best practices to improve how forecasts are made and disseminated.

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193

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National Academies Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0309161347

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9780309161343

Tracking and Predicting the Atmospheric Dispersion of Hazardous Material Releases

Implications for Homeland Security

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate,Committee on the Atmospheric Dispersion of Hazardous Material Releases

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Tracking and Predicting the Atmospheric Dispersion of Hazardous Material Releases

Implications for Homeland Security

By: National Research Council,Division on Earth and Life Studies,Board on Atmospheric Sciences and Climate,Committee on the Atmospheric Dispersion of Hazardous Material Releases

For many years, communities have prepared themselves to deal with accidental atmospheric releases from industrial sites, energy facilities, and vehicles transporting hazardous materials. Today, these communities must also worry about the terrorist threat of the intentional use of chemical, biological, and nuclear (C/B/N) agents. Because of this threat, the ability to predict and track the dispersal of harmful agents has become a critical element of terrorism planning and response. Our nationÃ¯Â¿Â½s capacity to respond to atmospheric C/B/N events stands, like a three legged stool, on the strength of three interconnected elements: 1) dispersion models that predict the path and spread of the hazardous agent; 2) observations of the hazardous plume itself and of local meteorological conditions, which provide critical input for the models; and 3) interaction with emergency responders who use the information provided by the models. As part of the National Academies continuing focus on issues of homeland security, Tracking and Predicting the Atmospheric Dispersion of Hazardous Material Releases examines our nationÃ¯Â¿Â½s current capabilities in these three areas and provides recommendations for strengthening them.

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