Aviation weather forecasting Aviation weather forecasting tools for South Poletools for South Pole

Prepared by: Trish Bednarczk, Bill Brown, Bryan Burden,Al Hay, Rolf Hennig and Joe Kramer

Scientific Research Corporation, North Charleston, SC

Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF)Terminal Aerodrome Forecast (TAF)

• TAF based on the USAF coding practices of the WMO Aerodrome Forecast Code, FM 51, (Terminal Aerodrome Forecast) code

NZSP TAF 0323/0423 (0412/0512NZDT) 01012KT 9000 IC FEW010 QNH2889INS NZSP TAF 0323/0423 (0412/0512NZDT) 01012KT 9000 IC FEW010 QNH2889INS GRID01012KTGRID01012KTBECMG 0402/0404 (0415/0417) 35005KT 2400 IC BR BKN010 QNH2885INS BECMG 0402/0404 (0415/0417) 35005KT 2400 IC BR BKN010 QNH2885INS GRID35005KTGRID35005KT

• Disseminated via e-mail to USAP and its Participating Partners (format as above)

• Disseminated to GTS via AFTN without local coding requirements

• Ceiling thresholds: 3000, 1000, 500 and <300 feet

• Visibility thresholds: 4800, 3200, 1600 and <1600 meters

Forecast ToolsForecast Tools

• Primary tool

• Images from McMurdo TeraScan system

• Dual L- and X-band system

• Can combine images from DMSP and POES satellites into one file and animate

• Axis of dilatation or convergence zones

Forecast ToolsForecast Tools

Forecast ToolsForecast Tools

Forecast ToolsForecast Tools

AMPS

SummarySummary

• Basic forecast tools, i.e. high quality Met Sat imagery, upper-air analysis application, and an excellent mesoscale modeling system in AMPS can provide an experienced polar weather forecaster with the requisite tools to produce a good aviation forecast to support aviation operations at South Pole.