presented by Walter F. Dabberdt, Director, Strategic Research Vaisala Inc., Boulder, CO
A recent USWRP workshop recommends enhanced three-dimensional mesoscale observing networks as critical to advancing numerical and empirical modeling for a broad spectrum of mesoscale applications, including severe weather warnings and forecasts, hydrology, air quality forecasting, chemical emergency response, transportation safety, energy management, and others. Existing two-dimensional mesoscale measurement networks do not provide observations of the type, frequency, and density required to optimize mesoscale prediction and nowcasts. To be viable, operational mesoscale observing networks must serve multiple applications, and the public, private, and academic sectors must all actively participate in their design and implementation, as well as in the creation and delivery of value-added products. The mesoscale measurement challenge can best be met by an integrated approach that considers all elements of an end-to-end solution: identifying end users and their needs; designing an optimal mix of observations; defining the balance between static and dynamic (targeted or adaptive) sampling strategies; establishing long-term testbeds; and developing effective implementation strategies. Mesoscale testbeds are widely recommended as the bridge from research to operations.
The Finnish Meteorological Institute and the Vaisala meteorological measurements company – together with other public, private and academic partners -- have initiated a program to establish a new mesoscale observational network in Southern Finland. This testbed will provide new opportunities for developing improved observing systems, networks and strategies, and predicting mesoscale weather phenomena in a coastal high-latitude environment (60-61N, 24-26E ) encompassing the Finnish capitol city of Helsinki. The Helsinki Testbed will also provide comprehensive data sets for many other research and operational purposes including e.g. advanced nowcasting methods and mesoanalyses, remote sensing of different precipitation types, air quality forecasting, road surface and related weather modeling, and development and verification of numerical weather prediction models. The program enables testing of scientific theories, new technologies and end-user applications. It also serves as open platform for development projects and it provides a framework for atmospheric information systems integration.
First tests of the Helsinki Testbed are scheduled for August 2005, in support of the World Championships in Athletics. Measurements will be accomplished through five month-long, thematic measurement campaigns. The last campaign is scheduled for August 2006. The existing Finnish weather observation network is being supplemented with a large number of new observations. The area of interest covers part of Southern Finland including the Gulf of Finland. Most of the new observation sites are located in the area of about 150 x 150 km. In particular, circa 40 communication masts, 60-100 m high, are being equipped at two levels with new “weather transmitters” capable of measuring temperature, humidity, air pressure, rain, and wind. There will be additional radio soundings and ceilometer measurements, a new wind profiler will be installed, and data made available from European and US satellites and five weather radars; all data are combined in a data warehouse. In the course of the project, all measured and NWP model data will be made available on the Internet; see http://www.fmi.fi/testbed. The testbed is an open program; collaborative measurements are strongly encouraged.
This presentation also serves as an open invitation to observationalists, modelers, forecasters and users to participate in and use data from the Helsinki testbed.
Seminar is from
9:30 am to 10:30 am in FL2 Room 1022
on Tuesday, April 19, 2005.
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