International Workshop on the
Assimilation of Satellite-Observed Cloud and Precipitation Observations

May 2-4, 2005

Agenda

Pre-Workshop Activity, Sunday - May 1, 2005 PM

5:30 - 8:00 Dinner

Day One: Monday - May 2, 2005 AM

6:30 - 8:00 Breakfast
8:00 Introduction, Opening Remarks: John LeMarshall, Director, JCSDA
Ron Errico: Workshop Co-chair, and NASA Global Modeling and Assimilation Office
8:15 Session 1: Satellite Observations of Clouds and Precipitation, Chair: Joe Turk
Overview 1: Cloud Observations, Graeme Stephens, CSU (45 +15)
9:15 Overview 2: Precipitation Observations, Christian Kummerow, CSU (45 +15)
10:15 Coffee Break
10:35 Report on IPWG Activities, Joe Turk, NRL
10:45 Three invited presentations (15 min + 5 min discussion)
Andy Heidinger, NOAA
George Huffman, NASA
Frank Evans, U. Col.
11:45 Session 1 - Wrap up/Discussion
12:15 Lunch

Day One: Monday - May 2, 2005 PM

1:30 Session 2. Modeling Clouds and Precipitation in NWP, Chair: Joe Turk
Overview 1: Cloud Modeling, Brad Ferrier, NCEP (45 +15)
2:30 Overview 2: Precipitation Modeling, Philippe Lopez, ECMWF (45 +15)
3:30 Coffee Break
4:00 Three invited presentations (15 min + 5 min discussion)
Greg Tripoli, U Wisc
Tristan L'Ecuyer, CSU
Silvio D'Avolio, Bologna
5:00 Session 2 Wrap-up/discussion
5:30 Meeting of Breakout Group Leaders
6:00 - 8:00 Dinner

Day Two: Tuesday - May 3, 2005 AM

6:30 - 8:00 Breakfast
8:00 Session 3: Data Assimilation and Radiative Transfer, Chair: George Ohring
Overview 1: Cloud Assimilation, Jean Francois Mahfouf (45 +15)
9:00 Overview 2: Precipitation Assimilation, Ron Errico, NASA (25 + 5), Peter Bauer, ECMWF (25 + 5)
10:00 Coffee Break
10:30 Overview 3: Radiative Transfer, Chair: Fuzhong Weng, NESDIS (25 + 5)
11:00 Three invited presentations (15 min +5 min discussion)
Kamal Puri, BMRC
Arthur Hou, NASA
Sue Ballard, UKMO
12:00 Session 3 - Wrap-up/Discussion Form discipline breakout groups
12:30 Lunch

Day Two: Tuesday - May 3, 2005 PM

1:30 Observations Breakout Group, Leader: C. Kummerow
Modeling Breakout Group, Leader: B. Ferrier
Assimilation Breakout Group, Leader: R. Errico
4:30 Breakout Groups Report to Plenary Session Form Interdisciplinary Breakout Groups
5:30 - 8:00 Dinner

Day Three: Wednesday - May 4, 2005

6:30 - 8:00 Breakfast
8:00 Cloud Assimilation Breakout Group; Leader: J.F. Mahfouf, Precipitation Assimilation Breakout Group; Leader: P. Bauer
10:30 Coffee Break
11:00 Breakout Groups Report, Summary/recommendations to Plenary Session, Workshop Wrap-up
12:30 Workshop Adjourns; Lunch
1:30 Workshop Editorial Committee Meets
3:00 Editorial Committee Adjourns

Workshop Summary Presentation Link

Sponsored by the NOAA, NASA, Department of Defense, Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation

The Problem: To date, assimilation of satellite measurements has focused on the clear atmosphere. But satellite observations in the visible, infrared, and microwave provide a great deal of information on clouds and precipitation. The issue is how to use this information to improve the initialization of clouds and precipitation in models. Since clouds and precipitation often occur in sensitive regions for forecast impacts, such improvements are likely necessary for continuing significant gains in weather forecasting.

Workshop Objectives:

  • Critically review the current state of the art in:

    • Satellite observations of clouds and precipitation

    • Modeling of clouds an precipitation in NWP

    • Assimilating satellite observations of clouds and precipitation

  • Identify the key issues for successful assimilation of cloud and precipitation information

  • Develop a prioritized list of additional examinations of issues, further evaluations of techniques, and needed new developments

  • Plan coordination mechanisms to facilitate progress on needed developments

How: By bringing together experts in: cloud/precipitation remote sensing, radiative transfer in cloudy or precipitating atmospheres, modeling clouds and precipitation, and assimilating cloud and precipitation observations.

Where: National Conference Center, Lansdowne, VA
When: May 2-4, 2005
Duration: 2.5 days
Who: 30-40 invitees
Workshop format: Invited overview lectures, shorter talks, breakout groups **
Output: A workshop report that will summarize workshop deliberations and include a prioritized list of needed research and development, plans of the various groups, and how these groups could better coordinate their activities.
Organizing Committee:

  • Ron Errico, NASA/GMAO, Co-Chair

  • George Ohring, Consultant, Co-Chair

  • Fuzhong Weng, NOAA/NESDIS

  • Jean-Francois Mahfouf , Meteorological Service of Canada

  • Joe Turk, NRL

  • Peter Bauer, ECMWF

  • Ken Campana, NOAA/NCEP