NWS Simulator, a few COMET Case-based Modules

NWS Simulator, a few COMET Case-based Modules

от Patrick Parrish -
Количество ответов: 4

Hi,

The National Weather Service in the US has developed a significant simulation capability, and I thought something should be shared about that for those interested. Perhaps Liz Page might have more to add if she is on the forum, but I have gathered a few resources. Also, I will list a few COMET modules that offer instruction that is strongly simlulation related, since they ask learners to make a series forecast decisions. 

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NWS Weather Event Simulator (WES)

Please see a brief description of the simulation system at this site: http://www.crh.noaa.gov/lmk/?n=wes

Also, for more detail, you can access the attached documents.
"Install_WES97.pdf" provides more technical details about the most recent version.
"WESGuide8apr98.pdf" is an example of a users guide for one particular simulation/case.

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COMET modules

As for COMET Case-based Modules that are a type of simulation, in my view, one of the best examples is:

Polar Lows Ungava Bay 01 December 2000 (https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_module.php?id=144)

Also a favorite:

Ocean Effect Snow: New England Snow Storm, 14 January 1999 (https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_module.php?id=114)

These modules not only walk forecasters through a weather event (without timed simulation, of course), but also teach the underlying knowledge and skills required to make the forecast decisions. 

Cheers,

Patrick

 

 

В ответ на Patrick Parrish

Re: NWS Simulator, a few COMET Case-based Modules

от Elizabeth Page -

Hi Pat,

I'm sorry to take so long to reply. The National Weather Service (NWS) in the US has been using the Weather Event Simulator (WES) for over ten years now. The Warning Decision Training Branch (WDTB) of the NWS is contintually making enhancements, and NWS forecasters are required to work through at least four simulations a year. Offices can archive their own case studies, or use cases developed by WDTB.

WES allows archived data to be played back in real-time so that forecasters can make warning and forecast decisions with a sense of urgency. Also, a script can be run that simulates interuptions to the case analysis. For instance, a small window may appear on the screen informing the forecaster of a report of severe weather, or a question may come in, simulating a phone call that he/she must answer.

I learned last week that the WES functionality will be incorporated into the new version of the NWS operational software (AWIPS-II). Since Unidata is planning to distribute this software, WES playback capabiltiy will eventually be available to the community. More information of Unidata's support of AWIPS-II can be found on: http://www.unidata.ucar.edu/software/awips2/

Cheers,

Liz

В ответ на Elizabeth Page

Re: NWS Simulator, a few COMET Case-based Modules

от Heleen ter Pelkwijk -

Ha Liz,

Wow I am jealous! What a great facility you have......it sounds like a lot less work to organise an simulator training session than we have.

Are the forecasters going through these simulator sessions on their own, or are the simulator sessions organised with training staff around to back up the simulator session?

And are you also using these simulators for assessment in your weather service?

Hartelijke groet,

Heleen

Hartelijke groet,

Heleen

В ответ на Heleen ter Pelkwijk

Re: NWS Simulator, a few COMET Case-based Modules

от Elizabeth Page -

Hi Heleen,

The WES program is indeed a powerful learning tool and very flexible in that forecasters can go through simulations on their own or the simulation can be facilitated by someone else (for instance, the local training officer). The cases developed by the Warning Decision Training Branch are delivered with a Simulation Guide that takes both the forecaster and the facilitator through the case. Similations can also be carried out with other forecasting offices and customers to provide a setting more like normal office operations.

The simulations are meant as assessments to highlight potential areas where additional training is needed.

Cheers,

Liz