QuikSCAT
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- Martin
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QuikSCAT
What is your opinion Rich on the loss of the QuikSCAT satellite (for real-time data purposes anyway) and how it might impact the future of hurricane forecasting/tracking? I always used it quite frequently to take a peak at what was going on out there and I always thought it was quite a valuable resource. ASCAT simply lacks the resolution and is considerably lacking next to the QuikSCAT. Wish NOAA/NASA could rush another one together like in the past and toss one up there.
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Re: QuikSCAT
I didn't know about it. where did you hear that from? The previous hurricane center director was heavily criticized from making comments about this. Losing the Quickscat would be a huge loss. It is an extremely valuable forecasting resource. It made satellite interpretation much easier. The government will not find the money for a new Quickscat soon. Huge loss.Martin wrote:What is your opinion Rich on the loss of the QuikSCAT satellite (for real-time data purposes anyway) and how it might impact the future of hurricane forecasting/tracking? I always used it quite frequently to take a peak at what was going on out there and I always thought it was quite a valuable resource. ASCAT simply lacks the resolution and is considerably lacking next to the QuikSCAT. Wish NOAA/NASA could rush another one together like in the past and toss one up there.

Rich Johnson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/richjohnsonwx
Certified Broadcast Meteorologist - Hurricane Expert
Twitter: https://twitter.com/richjohnsonwx
Certified Broadcast Meteorologist - Hurricane Expert
- Martin
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Re: QuikSCAT
Last November the antenna that rotated on the satellite broke. That ended the collection of real time ocean winds. All that we have now is the European ASCAT, a poor alternative.Tropical Hurricane wrote:I didn't know about it. where did you hear that from? The previous hurricane center director was heavily criticized from making comments about this. Losing the Quickscat would be a huge loss. It is an extremely valuable forecasting resource. It made satellite interpretation much easier. The government will not find the money for a new Quickscat soon. Huge loss.Martin wrote:What is your opinion Rich on the loss of the QuikSCAT satellite (for real-time data purposes anyway) and how it might impact the future of hurricane forecasting/tracking? I always used it quite frequently to take a peak at what was going on out there and I always thought it was quite a valuable resource. ASCAT simply lacks the resolution and is considerably lacking next to the QuikSCAT. Wish NOAA/NASA could rush another one together like in the past and toss one up there.

http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2009-175
http://www.wunderground.com/blog/JeffMa ... rynum=1388
- Skibug
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Re: QuikSCAT
It's tough knowing that the quickscat will not be available for use this season. It is anextremely useful tool for forecasting.skibug87 wrote:You guys are over the top!
Rich Johnson
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- Ninjaguy
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Re: QuikSCAT
So, does this mean forecasting accuracy will go way down or just a little down?
The Ninja Sword
- Martin
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Re: QuikSCAT
According to the NHC, QuikSCATs data did not affect the computer models forecast. However it was very useful for picking out circulations or potential systems in the Atlantic. I think last year it was especially useful with the number of irregular circulations and formed. It probably in my opinion wont affect forecasting significantly but it was a great tool to useninjaguy89 wrote:So, does this mean forecasting accuracy will go way down or just a little down?

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Re: QuikSCAT
I do think that there will be a drop off in forecasting expertise in the initial stages of development. For hurricanes, there should be no change. Quickscat was invaluable in detecting the wind fields of disturbances. I have been surprised a number of times when a Quickscat pass would show a strong low level circulation that wasn't apparent on the satellite imagery. And in a like manner sometimes there are solid looking clusters with no low level circulation that would have been overestimated. So, yes I think that the loss of Quickscat will affect forecasting skill on tropical disturbance and tropical storms but not hurricanes.
Rich Johnson
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Certified Broadcast Meteorologist - Hurricane Expert
Twitter: https://twitter.com/richjohnsonwx
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- Mr. B
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Re: QuikSCAT
We don't need less forcasting accuracy. Eastern North Carolina sees to many hurricanes. I would hope the government would have a replacement.
- Martin
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Re: QuikSCAT
NOAA is trying to create a partnership with Japan to get it into the 2012 budget. Probably nothing for at least 5 years
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Re: QuikSCAT
If it deals with the government don't expect it to happen fast. 

Rich Johnson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/richjohnsonwx
Certified Broadcast Meteorologist - Hurricane Expert
Twitter: https://twitter.com/richjohnsonwx
Certified Broadcast Meteorologist - Hurricane Expert
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