Short-term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) Project

1. Short-term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) Project Overview NWS SSD and NASA/SPoRT Meeting 3 March, 2010

2. Mission: Apply unique NASA Earth science research and observations to improve the accuracy of short-term (0-24 hr) weather prediction at the regional and local scale – work mainly with WFOs • History of SPoRT Products to WFOs • Exploit NASA EOS data for weather applications through direct broadcast • First MODIS image in AWIPS in Feb 03; suite of products to 3 WFOs • LMA data to HSV in Apr 03; improve lead time for occurrence of severe weather • MODIS suite expanded to include coastal WFOs who were excited about high resolution SSTs leading to MODIS SST composite • Share tools with extended product dissemination efforts (e.g. Univ. of Wisconsin) • MODIS SSTs and AIRS profiles and radiances used to improve initializations for weather forecasting models resulting in improved forecasts • Current State of SPoRT Products • Over 30 products from MODIS, AMSR-E, AIRS, NALMA, GOES in AWIPS - 15 WFOs, in use by HWT • MODIS SSTs incorporated into V3 of WRF EMS • http://weather.msfc.nasa.gov/sporthttp://weather.msfc.nasa.gov/sportblog transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

3. SPoRT Paradigm / Forecast Problems • We don’t just “throw unique data over the fence” to an end user! • SPoRT Paradigm • match observations/capabilities to forecast problems • develop / assess solution in “testbed”, transition to decision support system • conduct training, product assessment and impact • Southern Region Forecast Problems • timing and location of severe weather • morning minimum temperatures (and its local variations) • detection and monitoring of fog, smoke, fires • coastal weather processes (sea breeze convection / temperatures) • development / movement of off-shore precipitation processes – tropical systems • gap filler in data void regions – atmospheric rivers of moisture transitioning unique NASA data and research technologies to operations

4. Products to End Users

5. Products to End Users

6. SPoRT MOU with NWS SR • Collaboration between NASA / MSFC / SPoRT and the NWS / SR is guided by a MOU between these two organizations. Original Memo was renewed in June 2009. Responsibilities include: • NOAA/NWS/SR • Support the collaboration between NASA and selected SR WFOs by hosting NASA data sets on SR computer systems and encouraging WFO participation in NASA/MSFC program activities • Allow for in-kind support of the SPoRT program objectives by forecasters, SOOs, and ITOs at individual WFOs that have agreed to collaborate with NASA • NASA / MSFC • Provide in-kind support for WFO access to unique real-time NASA data sets, numerical modeling, data assimilation, and nowcasting capabilities • Work with NWS staff to make these products available in AWIPS /AWIPS II • Provide training on the use of new and unique NASA products • Conduct regular collaborative workshops which bring WFO forecasters, SOOs, and other technical staff from the SR together with NASA scientists to improve the knowledge and understanding of advanced weather forecasting techniques of the NWS/SR staff

7. SPoRT Science Advisory Committee Represent beneficiaries, partners, end users - diversity • Knowledgeable of research to transition activities and NASA observational and research capabilities • Representatives from operational and research partners (NWS, NESDIS, NCEP) Nominated by SAC / SPoRT and approved by HQs Program Manager • 7-10 members • Serve through 2-3 SAC reviews for continuity • Major activities • Serve as a knowledge resource on short-term weather prediction, satellite data and derived products, mesoscale modeling, data assimilation issues, short-term weather forecasting and their impact on operational weather forecasting activities • Provide scientific guidance and direction for future SPoRT activities including transitional activities and supporting research, and new collaborations and partnerships • Participate in biennial reviews leading to report on program / project recommendations

8. Team Structure and Staff 4.5 Government FTEs 7.5 Research Associates WYEs

9. Metrics Evaluate accomplishments through the use of program metrics Publications • Peer reviewed on new research and transitional capabilities and techniques • Publication of transitional results and assessments are appropriate although not always in peer-reviewed publications Successful transitions • New products and research capabilities in end users decision support systems • Impact of NASA data / capabilities rather than number of transitions is important Community recognition • Peer recognition as a community partner and “place to go” for the transition of research capabilities to the operational weather community • Others adopting the SPoRT paradigm • Reviews by outside committees • Biennial reviews by the SPoRT Science Advisory Committee

10. General Accomplishments • Publications in the last 3 years alone • Peer-reviewed journal (9) – observational techniques and model forecasts • Conference papers / presentations (58) – AMS, AGU, NWA, workshops • Numerous product assessment by partners / end users and >70 blog posts on usage of NASA data to address forecast problems • EOS products in operations • Expansion of WFOs from 7 to 15, suite of 30 products and visualization capabilities • More effective data dissemination methods to end users • Use of NWS regional LDM servers vs. individual FTP • MODIS/AMSR-E SST composite default for WRF-EMS software • Assessments • Increased partner collaboration in last year with four separate assessment reports, numerous product use surveys • Training • Web-based modules for MODIS, LMA, CIRA Blended TPW, GOES Aviation products • Short, science lectures delivered during 9 site WFO visits and via bi-monthly coordination calls on topics of MODIS, AMSR-E, LIS, LMA, WRF-EMS, and GOES Aviation

11. Outreach • Outreach via web, blog, Facebook - more visibility to external community • Revamped SPoRT website , Wide World of SPoRT blog in (over 100 posts since March 2009), >100 Facebook fans (mainly NWS) • Utilized MSFC PAO to produce science@nasa articles, NASA Spinoff magazine stories, and other news stories • Miscellaneous • Provide quarterly progress reports to 150 sport fans • Communicate progress and direction through the strategic plan and biennial reports • Strengthen SPoRT staff – lightning , liaison, data assimilation – 2 civil service, 1 ENSCO, 2 UAH, Raytheon • Re-established NASA/NOAA MOU for SPoRT collaboration – NWS hiring a shared NWS/NASA transition scientist

12. SPoRT -- Successful Paradigm and Project • SPoRT success made possible by: • Dedicate NASA, NOAA/NWS visionaries • Conscientious NWS forecasters • Brilliant NASA / NOAA scientists and information technology specialists • NASA / MSFC and NWS Southern Region leaders who saw the value collaborative partnerships