Areas of Cooperation
CWB in FSL Forum
CWB Website
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Areas of Cooperation
The following areas are identified as mutual interest areas
for future cooperation between FSL and CWB.
Local Data Acquisition and Dissemination System (LDAD)
CWB has developed its own dissemination system to support outside organizations.
The LDAD system will enhance the dissemination of CWB data to government agencies
and the public, and it will complement other CWB dissemination systems such as weather
radio. CWB is also involved in the Natural Hazards Mitigation activities of the Taiwan
National Science Council. The LDAD system can provide area and local level agencies with
an emergency management support systems that can effectively disseminate critical weather
information to decision-makers. FSL will provide quality control techniques for conventional
observation data.
Data Assimilation
During the last year, FSL and CWB developed a new three-dimensional variational (3DVAR)
analysis software for conventional observations as part of a new version of the RUC-2
(Rapid Update Cycle) model. RUC-2 will soon become operational at NCEP (National Centers
for Environmental Prediction) to replace the 60-km RUC first implemented at NCEP in 1994.
The new 3DVAR scheme uses radiosonde, aircraft, satellite temperature, synoptic surface
observations (SYNOP), buoy, and ship data.
CWB and FSL scientists will continue to develop a version of a 3DVAR analysis in the CWB
regional model. The features of the 3DVAR analysis procedure will include precipitable
water vapor estimates from satellites and univariate 3DVAR analysis of moisture data. CWB
will be responsible for adapting its data structures to be compatible with the 3DVAR code.
Operational use of Scalable Modeling System
During the last year, FSL used the SMS tool to parallelize CWB's second-generation Global
Forecast System (GFS) for CWB. The goal has been to support CWB's procurement activities
of its next-generation high-performance computer (HPC). CWB HPC vendors will run their
benchmark tests using the SMS version of the GFS model on different platforms. CWB
announced its award to the Fujitsu VPP supercomputer system in the fall of 1998.
FSL will support CWB in upgrading the b01-Sep-2005PP) to an operational version of GFS to ensure that it satisfies necessary real-time operational
criteria and performance requirements.
Development of Web-Based Forecast Workstations
The goal of the Web-based Forecast Workstation (FX-Net) is to provide access to the
interface functionality of the workstation via networks. A client -server application
that provides network access to a modified WF0-Advanced workstation was developed last
year. The basic capabilities such as animation, toggle, and zoom as well as network
optimization of the system were also completed. Other sophisticated functionality will
be developed such as the Volume Browser capability of WF0-Advanced, enhancements to the
network capabilities of the system, and investigation of more sophisticated Graphical
User Interface (GUI) options. The enhanced version will be used in the normal operation
enviroment for training purposes.
Forecast Preparation System
The NWS is currently consolidating the ICWF (Interactive Computer Worded Forecast)
developed at TDL (Techniques Development Laboratory) and AFPS developed at FSL into a
single Interactive Forecast Preparation System (IFPS). Major components of the IFPS
are model interpretation, grid editing, matrix editing, product generation, and a
watch/warning/advisory (WWA) interface.
In consolidated IFPS, the AFPS Graphical Forecast Editor (GFE) replaces the ICWF grid
modification tool. The GFE provides maps and graphs on which the forecaster "draws" the
weather for all forecast elements. FSL also developed new product generation capabilities.
Currently, FSL is integrating AFPS into the WFO-Advanced system.
FSL will support CWB as it customizes the IFPS, including consolidating CWB's forecast
preparation systems to satisfy operational requirements of the Weather Forecast Center.
Visiting Scientists Program
Several areas of cooperation require CWB staff in residence at FSL. The primary effort of
CWB staff at FSL during this period will be directed toward developing dissemination systems,
data assimilation techniques, the Web-based workstation, and forecast preparation systems.
CWB sent three staff to participate in the data assimilation, web-based workstation development,
and LDAD/AFPS.
CWB visiting scientists program receives enormous support from FSL's different divisions: Forecast
Research Division, Modernization Divisions, and the System Development Division. FSL also sent
staff to CWB to provide training, technical support and scientific exchange. Two project review
meetings are scheduled for each year, one in Boulder during the fall and one in Taiwan during the
spring.
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