|
December
2006 - January 2007
COSMIC
update:
Scientists enthusiastic about preliminary results
Since the successful launch of COSMIC last April, initial
results show that the set of six satellites is probing the
atmosphere in ways that were impossible with previous observing
systems. COSMIC’s global coverage is providing new
information on the atmosphere’s temperature and water
vapor structure and allowing researchers to collect measurements
above some of the more inaccessible parts of the globe, such
as Antarctica and the remote Pacific Ocean. Scientists expect
the data to boost the accuracy of hurricane forecasts, improve
long-range weather forecasts, and help them monitor climate
change with greater accuracy.
 |
 |
These images show how COSMIC data helped a computer model
simulate the early development of Hurricane Ernesto in the
eastern Caribbean. Each image shows a 66-hour forecast of
cloud-water concentration that resembles a satellite photo.
The forecasts are valid for 8:00 p.m. Atlantic Standard Time
on August 25, 2006. For the image on the left, the model’s
starting-point conditions included 15 profiles from COSMIC
of atmospheric conditions in and near the Caribbean. When
the COSMIC profiles were not included (image at right), the
model was unable to show Ernesto’s formation. (Images
courtesy Yongsheng Chen, ESSL/MMM.)
On the Web
Innovative
Satellite System Proves its Worth with Better Weather Forecasts,
Climate Data
COSMIC Home Page
In this issue...
2006
Outstanding Accomplishment Awards
Cosmic
update: Scientists enthusiastic about preliminary results
Short
Takes
Let
it snow, let it snow....
New
book explores how to communicate climate change
Delphi
Question: Massage therapy, energy consumption, FL1 lawn
Just One Look
Staff Notes home page | News Center
|
