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Satellite Data Shows Third Consecutive Year of Decline in Gas Flaring
Data from the latest satellite study commissioned by the World Bank-led Global Gas Flaring Reduction Partnership (GGFR) showed a decline in global gas flaring by 22 billion cubic meters (bcm) over the past three years despite a 5% rise in crude oil production during that period. This decrease corresponds to a 60 million ton reduction of CO2 emissions between 2005 and 2008. The survey was conducted at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It indicates significant progress by NOAA's Earth Observation Group at the National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) in estimation of gas flaring volumes recorded by satellite observations in a long term record now covering the period from 1994 through 2008. NGDC is proposing to corroborate the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) observed declines using NASA's MODIS fire product archive.
( or 303-497-6121)
National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) Presents at NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS) Tsunami Warning Training
Heather McCullough, a technical information specialist at NGDC, presented at the "Tsunami Warning System Training," sponsored and hosted by the NWS in Palmer, Alaska on November 3rd-6th, 2009. The training focused on educating professionals outside of the Tsunami Warning Centers as to the nature of tsunami science and the warning process. Interactive instruction included real-time seismic and tsunami monitoring, outreach to rural communities, communication with the press, and science discussions on seismology, plate tectonics, ocean modeling and wave forecasting. Ms. McCullough's presentation focused on how NGDC supports tsunami forecast, warning, and research through the global historical events databases and community digital elevation models (DEMs) for tsunami inundation modeling. Training was supported by the NOAA Tsunami Program.
( or 303-497-3707)
National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) Hosts Visit From the European Space Agency
Dr. Astrid-Christina Koch, European Union, and Dr. Andreas Diekmann, European Space Agency, visited NGDC on November 3rd, 2009. NGDC briefed the visitors on current collaborative efforts related to the upcoming Swarm satellite mission, development of standard magnetic field products, and space weather activities. Dr. Koch, a Science Counselor in the "Science, Technology and Education" section at the Delegation of the European Commission (EC) in Washington DC, briefed NOAA and the University of Colorado on research and collaboration opportunities. The European Commission has substantially increased funding for research, with special attention in transatlantic research cooperation. Dr. Koch discussed funding and collaboration opportunities for professors and graduate students across a variety of disciplines both in Europe and in partnership with European institutions. NOAA currently relies on European research satellites to provide the geomagnetic field observation requirements for the World Magnetic Model, the US / UK standard model for navigation, satellite orientation, and numerous other uses.
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National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) hosts training meeting for Extended Continental Shelf analysis
The National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) hosted a five day training session on October 26-30, 2009 on the use of Geocap software, one of the primary tools used by the US Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) team for defining the outer limits of the shelf. Members of the team that attended the training included individuals from the USGS, US State Department, and the University of New Hampshire. Geocap software, developed by the Norwegian company Geocap AS, allows for continental shelf modeling, mapping, and delineation of extents based on built-in expertise on the requirements of Article 76 in United Nation Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). NGDC is the data archive and integration center for the U.S. ECS effort and responsible for designing and developing the system to manage and support analysis and archive all related data and products.
( or 303-497-6338)
Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate (COSMIC-2) Discussions at the 4th FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC Data Users Workshop
Rob Redmon of the National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) participated in the 4th FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC Data Users Workshop in Boulder, CO on October 27-29, 2009. COSMIC is a joint research mission of the University Center for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) and Taiwan's National Space Organization (NSPO). One of the presentations highlighted the use of NGDC data to validate the recently developed Taiwan Ionospheric Model (TWIM). Of particular interest to NOAA were discussions regarding the potential benefits that an operational COSMIC-2 satellite system will have on meteorology, space weather and climate. Mr. Redmon and Dr. Mihail Codrescu (NWS Space Weather Prediction Center) are members of the COSMIC-2 Space Weather Level 1 Requirements Team that will specify the related space weather requirements.
( or 303-497-4331)
National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC) Participates in NOAA's Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) Science Communications Workshop
Lisa Taylor, a geophysicist at NGDC, attended the October 27th "Communicating Science: Tools for Research Scientists and Engineers," workshop sponsored by OAR and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). The training focused on teaching scientists to communicate clearly and effectively about the research they conduct to a public audience. It was hosted by NOAA's Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) in Princeton, New Jersey. Interactive instruction included coaching on developing a clear jargon-free message, talking to the press, interviewing for radio and television, and effective use of gestures. Ms. Taylor's training was supported by the NOAA Tsunami Program.
( or 303-497-6767)
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