International Operational Aerosol Observability Workshop

WHAt: approximately 15 developers for many of the world’s operational numerical weather prediction centers with aerosol forecasting mandates met with an equal number of representatives for the satellite data providers to discuss the aerosol observability issues facing the next generation of aerosol forecast systems. WHen: 27–29 april 2010 WHere: Monterey, California W hile the last three years have seen rapid operational implementation of aerosol and pollution models around the world, the key to further development of aerosol forecasting systems is aerosol observational data from satellites for model evaluation and data assimilation. However, although the dynamical meteorology community has a well-developed, near-real-time observing system to support forecasting, the aerosol community is only beginning to address its needs. This meeting was the first ever to combine the lead aerosol model developers and remote sensing data providers from around the globe in discussing state-of-the-art technologies and operational requirements for aerosol forecasting. Participants included representatives from the operational centers of ECMWF, FNMOC, JMA, NCEP, and the Met Office; remote sensing data providers from EUMETSAT, ESA, JAXA, NASA, and NOAA NESDIS; and additional developers from NASA GMAO, NGST, NOAA, NRL, and several universities.1 Overviews were given by operational participants as to their centers’ current forecasting status and projected data needs. Remote sensing agencies described current and planned relevant space missions. Last, developers provided an overview of future directions in aerosol data assimilation. Much of the development of operational aerosol systems has relied on climate satellite datasets, predominantly from the MODIS instrument on the NASA Terra and Aqua spacecraft. With near-real time data available from the joint NASA–NOAA NRTPE (aka “bent pipe”) beginning in 2002 and the recent implementation of the NASA LANCE data server, operational centers have developed a neartotal reliance on MODIS aerosol, fire, and albedo products for model initialization and assimilation.