Scientific Theme: Advanced Modeling and Observing Systems

Theme report: Advanced Modeling and Observing Systems
MILESTONE SEC03.4:
Complete development of the GOES-N ground data systems IT infrastructure needed for postlaunch
test. Provide analysis and technical support to algorithm development, instrument
checkout and data verification.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR SEC03.4:
Implementation of MRS&S clients, Network Data Bridges, Telemetry Archivers, SEM & SXI Preprocessors and
prototype framework for Level-1 image processing was completed in time for a post-launch test. Several
improvements to the preprocessors were made in response to analysis of early post-launch test products. Finally,
replay capabilities were implemented, allowing scientists to replay telemetry through enhanced processing
algorithms, as they further developed their models.
SEC04: Space Environment Data Algorithm and Product Development
GOALS:
Explore new techniques for analyzing and modeling GOES space environment data, and develop and validate new
algorithms and products.
MILESTONE SEC04.1:
Assemble proxy data sets for the GOES-R instruments.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR SEC04.1:
Proxy data for some of the GOES-R instruments have been created. The SEISS, MAG and XRS data sets are
complete. Since there have been difficulties with the GOES-13 SXI and EUVS instruments, those data sets have not
been collected. However, the use of other satellite data sets is being considered. Also, work is being done to make
the GOES-13 data sets suitable for operational use as well as for test data sets for GOES-R.
AMOS-03: Prediction, Model Development and Evaluation
CSD02: Chemical Transport Model Research
GOALS:
Undertake research that contributes to the ability to forecast regional air quality and improves the understanding of
the budget of ozone in the upper troposphere.
MILESTONE CSD02.1:
Use the forecast capabilities of current chemical transport models for the planning of the
deployment of the R/V Ronald H. Brown, the WP-3, and other aircraft during the 2006 Texas Air
Quality Study /Gulf of Mexico Atmospheric Composition and Climate Study experiment.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS FOR CSD02.1:
During the 2006 Texas Air Quality Study/Gulf of Mexico Atmospheric Composition and Climate Study experiment
(TexAQS/GoMACCS), the FLEXPART particle dispersion model was run in forecast mode to provide pollutant
tracer forecasts to guide the WP-3D aircraft and the R/V Ronald H. Brown into pollution plumes. The model was
updated four times per day and utilized the 1×1 degree resolution windfields of NOAA NCEP‘s Global Forecast
System model to yield five-day forecasts of CO, SO2 and NOx emissions from all North American anthropogenic
sources. Special Houston-region tracers were also provided at higher resolution. In addition, a biomass-burning
tracer, emitted from fire hotspots and sensed in near-real-time by MODIS, was calculated four times per day. The
forecasts were made available to the mission planners in two on-line formats
(http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/csd/metproducts/flexpart/index.html). The first format consisted of static GIF images of
the tracers at various altitudes, with fixed map projections to provide a quick overview of the plume evolution over
the following five days. The second, more useful format allowed the user to access an interactive web page and
create custom images and image loops of the various tracers for any location and any altitude. This forecast package
provided accurate, timely, and easily accessible pollution-plume forecasts for the full duration of the
29