synoptic data

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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