Tentative 2001-2002 Project Plan For Robert Rozumalski

SOO/STRC WEB AND FTP SITES

The SOO/STRC web and ftp sites will continue to be maintained and updated through 2002. Current plans for development include the release of an on-line SOO survey (September 2001), a SOO Modeling Resource Center (SOO/MRC), and the inclusion of the SOO Training Resource Center (SOO/TRC). Additions to the SOO/STRC web site will be made as necessary.

The SOO Modeling Resource Center is scheduled for mid-2002 and will combine the SOO/STRC WS Eta resources with the new community Weather Research and Forecasting Model support planned for 2002. The SOO/MRC will include information and guidance on local area and operational models, along with links to current research projects utilizing weather forecast models.

 

SOO/STRC DATA ARCHIVE

Currently, a 7-day running archive of all operational Eta model runs on the 40 km experimental (non-operational) 212 grid is maintained on the SOO/STRC ftp site. The dataset is intended for use by NWS SOOs and forecasters, and to support the COMET case study database. These grids are superior to the operational data received locally at WFOs due to the increased temporal (3 vs. 6 hourly) and spatial (40 vs. 90km in the horizontal 25 vs. 50mb in the vertical) resolution. Furthermore, these datasets contain many fields that are not part of the operational data feed, such as soil moisture and precipitation type. Consequently, these datasets are ideally suited for case study and modeling uses.

The current archive will be expanded to include the operational Eta model runs on the 32km, 221 grid and 90km 104 grid. Additional consideration will be given for the inclusion of operational AVN data, provided there is enough disk space available locally to accommodate the large dataset.

NAWIPS/GEMPAK

NAWIPS consists of a suite of software programs, including GEMPAK, GARP, NSHARP, NSAT, NMAP, NMAP2, and NTRANS, which continues to be the most frequently used software for the manipulation and display of metrological data in the non-operational environment. Most SOOs are familiar with the package and continue to use it on a semi-regular basis. This use is due, in part, to functionality that is not available in AWIPS and an overall familiarity with the software. Consequently, NAWIPS will continue to be supported through 2002. Support includes help with installation and using, as well as compiling new binary distributions for LINUX and HPUX as new versions are released by NCEP.

 

LOCAL AREA MODELING

SOO/STRC WS ETA

Support for the local area modeling package, which includes providing assistance with installation, configuration, and running the WS Eta for both real-time and case study mode will continue through the end of 2002. In addition, the package will be upgraded as new versions are released by NCEP. Binary distributions for HPUX and LINUX operating systems will be created for those offices without local compiler resources.

It is anticipated that a software package for the verification of precipitation forecasts will be made available during 2002. This software will allow offices to verify WS Eta model precipitation forecasts against operational forecasts and observational analyses.

 

WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING MODEL

In early 2000, the SOO/SAC Coordinator will begin support for the new community Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model. The WRF model is scheduled to be the eventual successor to the operational and workstation versions of the Eta Model and its introduction should dovetail well with the growing local modeling efforts at NWS WFOs. Development of the SOO/STRC WRF modeling package will be similar to that of the WS Eta with user-friendly documentation and install procedures. In addition, binary distributions will be provided for those offices without compilers.

 

SOO/SAC Modeling Service

Beginning in early 2002, NWS SOOS will be able to request high resolution model runs from either the WS Eta of the WRF model for there local training and research needs. These model runs will be configured with help from the SOO/SAC Coordinator and run locally at COMET. This service in intended for those offices that do not have the local knowledge or computer power to run a mesoscale model but still need the data for local studies.

 

NWS DRT/WES

Support for the NWS Displaced Real-Time/Warning Environment Simulator (DRT/WES) will be limited to assisting Liz Page in the release of AWIPS case studies and providing support to the field on case study installation. Assistance will also be provided for troubleshooting problems with the DRT workstation. DRT/WES information and resources will be posted on the SOO/STRC as necessary.

2 areas of testing and evaluation are scheduled for completion by fall 2001:

1. Dual monitor configuration and testing.

2. Dual-head video card testing and evaluation.

LINUX AND HPUX SUPPORT

The SOO/SAC coordinator will continue hardware, software, and administration support for HP and LINUX workstations. In addition to assistance received via email and phone, SOOs and ESAs can take advantage of the web support materials that will continue to be updated as part of the SOO/STRC. The HPUX software support contract with HP for the SAC should be maintained through 2002.

LINUX D3D

Support for installing and running Display 3-Dimensions (D3D) for LINUX workstations will begin during the Fall 2001. D3D was developed at the University of Wisconsin and Forecast Systems Labs (FSL) to be the 3-D compliment to D2D. D3D will allow offices to view NetCDF grid and point data on multi dimensional surfaces using a non-operational LINUX workstation. The SOO/SAC coordinator will be distributing the software via the SOO/STRC ftp site and additional resources are to be posted on the SOO/STRC.

COMAP SUPPORT

The SOO/SAC Coordinator will play an integral, yet-to-be-determined role in the NWS/COMET COMAP class scheduled for 6 May - 21 June 2002. Some of the possible topics include local area modeling and mesoscale dynamics.

SCIENTIFIC SUPPORT

The SOO/SAC Coordinator will continue to provide scientific support to the NWS SOOs.