Objetivos

Our objective is to obtain observations in and around tropical cyclones to improve our understanding of their structure and intensity change, especially in regions that have historically been difficult to observe.  We also seek to test emerging technologies to improve the quality of such observations.

Activities

Observations of tropical cyclones are integral to understanding changes to their track, intensity, and structure, and to improving the model systems used to make forecasts of their impacts.

Researchers at AOML develop and deploy an array of instruments and emerging technologies to measure conditions in and around tropical cyclones, work on quality control and transmission of the data to operational centers for data assimilation into models, validate new and remote observational platforms including satellites, and develop and verify optimal sampling strategies for forecast improvement.

The data from these instruments are vital to enhance forecasters’ understanding of tropical cyclone dynamics and physics behavior and their representation in numerical models and to improve hurricane prediction models, leading to better preparedness and response strategies.

The annual Hurricane Field Program has a variety of experiments to research the tropical cyclone lifecycle, from genesis to decay, as well as ocean observations and satellite validation, all in support of NOAA’s Advancing the Prediction of Hurricanes Experiment (APHEX). APHEX broadens the goals of the 2005-2020 Intensity Forecasting EXperiment by incorporating current, 5-year Hurricane Forecast Improvement Program (HFIP) priorities around better forecasting and communicating for all hazards (wind, rain, surge, and tornadoes).

In partnership with NOAA’s Environmental Modeling Center; National Hurricane Center; Aircraft Operations Center; National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service; and AOML’s Physical Oceanography Division, the goal of APHEX is to improve understanding and prediction of hurricane track, intensity, three-dimensional structure, and hazards by collecting observations that will aid in the improvement of current operational hurricane models, such as the Hurricane Analysis and Forecast System (HAFS) model, and the development of the next-generation operational model and data assimilation systems.

AOML seeks to test new observing systems and concepts of operations to improve the scientific understanding and prediction of tropical cyclones (TCs). NOAA’s Emerging Technologies TC Team investigates, tests, and implements new and promising technologies that sample atmospheric and oceanic environments that are either too dangerous or too difficult for direct human observation.