[Skywarn] [Cometupdates] 3 New Modules on African Satellite Meteorology from COMET

[Lloyd Colston]

Please note the following training opportunities:

Lloyd


The COMET Program is pleased to announce the publication of three
modules for the ASMET (African Satellite Meteorology Education and
Training) project. ASMET produces online and CD-based learning modules
that teach African forecasters how to enhance their forecasts by
making better use of meteorological satellite images and products. The
modules were produced by the ASMET team, which consists of meteorology
instructors from the South African Weather Service (Pretoria) and the
Regional Training Centers in Kenya and Niger. EUMETSAT provides
project management and funding, while The COMET® Program provides
design and production services.

For more information about ASMET, please visit
http://www.meted.ucar.edu/communities/asmet/

The three new modules include:
Satellite Precipitation Products for Hydrological Management in
Southern Africa, which introduces a variety of meteorological and
hydrological products that can improve the quality of heavy rainfall
forecasts and assist with hydrological management during extensive
precipitation events in Southern Africa. Among the products are the
satellite-based ASCAT, SMOS, and ASAR GM soil moisture products and
the hydro-estimator. The products are presented within the context of
a case, the flooding of South Africa's Vaal Dam region in 2009/2010.
The module is available at http://www.meted.ucar.edu/asmet/so_africa/
Flooding in West Africa, which explores the rainy season in Sahelian
West Africa. The season extends from June to September and is tied to
the position of the intertropical front. During this period, mesoscale
convective systems (MCSs) often produce significant rainfall that can
lead to flooding. This module examines an extreme flooding event that
occurred in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso from 31 August to 1 September
2009. Learners assume the role of forecaster, assessing meteorological
conditions to see if an MCS will develop that can lead to heavy rain
and flooding. They follow a forecast process that emphasizes the use
of satellite data, standard surface and upper-air charts, and model
output. The forecast process is tied to a conceptual model of the key
features that drive convective activities in West Africa. The module
is available at http://www.meted.ucar.edu/asmet/w_africa/
Drought in East Africa, which examines the 2009 drought in the Greater
Horn of Africa (GHA), focusing on conditions in Kenya. The module
begins by reviewing drought conditions in the years leading up to
2009. From there, it examines the seasonal climate forecast for the
beginning of 2009 and what it portends. Satellite products are used to
study rainfall performance throughout the year and its impact on the
drought situation. Finally, the module describes the climate
oscillations that can impact drought in the GHA and identifies
patterns that were present in 2009 and contributed to its severity. By
the end of the module, weather forecasters and students should have a
better understanding of drought and the tools available for its early
detection and monitoring. The module is available at
http://www.meted.ucar.edu/asmet/e_africa/

Most COMET modules use JavaScript and Adobe® Flash® for navigation,
animation, and/or presentation of multimedia elements. Ensure that you
have a browser updated to its latest version with JavaScript enabled
and the latest version of the Adobe FlashPlayer installed
(http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/).

For technical support for this module please visit our Registration
and Support FAQs at https://www.meted.ucar.edu/resources_faq.php.

NOTE TO NWS and other NOAA EMPLOYEES: These modules are available in
the Commerce Learning Center @ National Weather Service
(https://doc.learn.com/noaa/nws)

We welcome any comments or questions you may have regarding the
content, instructional approach, or use of these modules. Please
e-mail your comments or questions to Marianne Weingroff at
marianne at comet.ucar.edu.