UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

Synoptic DataSynoptic Data

TSgt Donald A. LaFramboise

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

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?

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

Why use synoptic data?Why use synoptic data?

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

Or how about this one?Or how about this one?

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

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

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

Data SourcesData Sources

• Land Synoptic Reports

• Ship Synoptic Reports

• Buoy Data

• Gradient level Rawinsonde Reports

• Gradient Level Satellite Derived Winds

• Scatterometer Data

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

Synoptic DataSynoptic Data

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

Scatterometer DataScatterometer Data

http://manati.wwb.noaa.gov/doc/erswinds.html

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

Scatterometer Close-upScatterometer Close-up

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

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)

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

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

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

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

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

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

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

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/

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

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?

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASSIFIED

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