UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED Synoptic Data Synoptic Data TSgt Donald A. LaFramboise
Jan 22, 2016
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Synoptic DataSynoptic Data
TSgt Donald A. LaFramboise
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Synoptic DataSynoptic DataIt’s application in Satellite AnalysisIt’s application in Satellite Analysis
• Why should I use Synoptic data?
• How can it be useful in Satellite Analysis?
• What are some of the problems encountered with synoptic data?
• Where can this data be found?
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Why use synoptic data?Why use synoptic data?
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Or how about this one?Or how about this one?
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How can Synoptic data be used inHow can Synoptic data be used in Satellite Analysis?Satellite Analysis?
• Verify positions– Wind Directions
– Surface Pressures
• Verify Intensities– Wind Speeds
– Surface Pressure
• Overlay data on Imagery
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Data SourcesData Sources
• Land Synoptic Reports
• Ship Synoptic Reports
• Buoy Data
• Gradient level Rawinsonde Reports
• Gradient Level Satellite Derived Winds
• Scatterometer Data
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Synoptic DataSynoptic Data
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Scatterometer DataScatterometer Data
http://manati.wwb.noaa.gov/doc/erswinds.html
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Scatterometer Close-upScatterometer Close-up
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Problem area encounteredProblem area encountered
• Availability and Timeliness of Data– Data is usually 3-5 hours old by the time it is available– Not always available when and where it is needed
• Data Coverage– Coverage is subject to availability of ships, buoys, and
land stations• Data Errors
– Observer errors (encryption and transcription errors)– Code conversion errors (Computer errors)
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Data InconsistenciesData InconsistenciesSea Level PressureSea Level Pressure
• Variation due to uneven terrain features
• Variable pressures due to Convection
• Instrument errors in underdeveloped countries where calibration is infrequent
• Inaccuracies in sea level conversions for stations above 1700 feet MSL
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Data InconsistenciesData InconsistenciesShip ReportsShip Reports
• Average wind speed error rate from ship reports are 0.6 knots per Beaufort Scale division
• Coverage over vast ocean areas is limited
• Wind directions have an average error of + 10 degrees
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The BenefitsThe Benefits
• Ships and Buoys provide coverage where there would otherwise be none
• Reports near systems or areas provide a minimum speed or intensity for that system
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Where can this data be Where can this data be found?found?
• If you are using AWDS or a similar system it should be available automatically
• You can find data through the internet via:
– AFWIN at: http://afwin.afwa.af.mil:443/
– University of North Carolina at: http://ws321.uncc.edu/data/surface/syn/
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Arguments!Arguments!
• The data is already three hours old by the time I get it.
• The data is too sparse to be of any use.
• It takes too long to get the data and process it.
• The satellite imagery is accurate enough.
• Reasons or excuses?
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ConclusionConclusion
• Data can help in locating centers
• Wind Speeds and Pressures provide feedback on intensity
• Can help tremendously when the center is obscured by upper-level debris for long periods
• Especially helpful in the early stages of a Tropical System