GEMPAK Workshop Map Discussion

The goal of this assignment is to become familiar with different types of data products available within GEMPAK, and to explore ways in which the software package features can be utilized to enhance your analysis and presentation.

Each day, you will become familiar with an increasing range of tools and products. Try to use at least some of the programs or features listed below:

1. Day 1: SFLIST, SFMAP, SNMAP, GDCNTR, GPMAP, NWX
2. Day 2: SFGRAM, SNPROF, GDPLOT2, GDCROSS, NMAP2, NSHARP, GARP
3. Day 3: Advanced Grid diagnostics, product generation tools, scripts for generating displays

Assignments

Group 1 - Upper air features

Possible data sets include radiosonde data, model analyses, satellite imagery

• Where are the long wave positions? Is this a stable pattern?
• Identify short waves Where are Jet cores, vorticity maximas

Group 2 - Surface features

Possible data sets include METAR, Synoptic, Ship, Suominet, Lightning, Storm Reports, radar

• Where is interesting weather occurring
• Locate frontal boundaries and other key features

Group 3 - Forecast

Possible data sets include model output, MOS, forecast bulletins, REDBOOK graphics

• How do different models compare in timing, strength, etc...?
• What significant features exist?

Map Discussion

1) use the GEMPAK "save" command to store your program settings for a product using a descriptive name.

2) Place the .nts restore files needed for your map discussion in the "class" directory under the GEMPAK home directory (~gempak).