Welcome to the
Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation (JCSDA)

Benefits of JCSDA

Effective environmental prediction requires several elements. One of these is accurate, well-distributed observations of the Earth's environment, for which satellite sensors are the largest source. Numerical models that embody the physical and chemical laws governing the behavior of the Earth's land surface, oceans, and atmosphere are another element, as are powerful computing systems to run these models rapidly to provide timely forecasts.

The science of data assimilation is the mortar that binds these elements into successful prediction systems for weather, oceans, climatology, and ecosystems. The Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation (JCSDA) is dedicated to developing and improving the ability to exploit satellite data more effectively in the United States. The JCSDA is a distributed collaborative effort that allows the work required to use the billions of satellite observations available daily to be shared several operational agencies in the United States.

This activity is best accomplished with a coordinated multi-agency basis as the common development work necessary to assimilate these many thousands of millions of satellite observations each day would otherwise be duplicated across the agencies.

JCSDA Vision:

A weather, climate and environmental analysis and prediction community empowered to effectively assimilate increasing amounts of advanced satellite observations from the evolving Global Earth Observing System of Systems (GEOSS).

JCSDA Mission:

To accelerate and improve the quantitative use of research and operational satellite data in weather, ocean, climate and environmental analysis and prediction systems. This is a substantial undertaking given the hundred-thousand fold increase in satellite data this decade from nearly fifty new instruments.

JCSDA Goals:

• Reduce from two years to one year the average time for operational implementation of new satellite technology
• Increase uses of current satellite data in NWP models
• Advance the common NWP models and data assimilation infrastructure
• Assess the impacts of data from advanced satellite sensors on weather and climate predictions

JCSDA Director Co-Chairs NWP Session at 2009 EUMETSAT Meteorological Satellite Conference

The 2009 EUMETSAT Meteorological Satellite Conference was held in Bath UK, from September 21 to 25. One of the sessions, on numerical weather prediction applications, was co-chaired by John Eyre from the Met Office and Lars Peter Riishojgaard, director of the JCSDA. Details can be found at: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/conference/eumetsat/.

NOAA's FY10 Internal and Directed Research Funding Opportunity for JCSDA

This NOAA/NESDIS funded opportunity addresses the directed research part of the JCSDA program. It is aimed, as its name indicates, at developing and implementing science which addresses JCSDA-related NOAA objectives. In particular, it aims at transitioning to operations, science related to data assimilation of current and planned sensors, with an emphasis on NOAA partners' needs (NESDIS/STAR and NWS/NCEP). The deadline for applications has been extended from December 31, 2009 to January 15, 2010. See the complete announcement.

JCSDA Announces a Short-Term Visiting Scientist Program for FY2010

September 28, 2009 - The Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation announced today a new short-term visiting scientist program for FY2010. Scientists from institutions of higher education, other nonprofit; for profits; international organizations; foreign institutions, state, local and Indian tribal governments; and Federal agencies, are invited to apply for an appointment of up to 3 months to work on qualifying projects with scientists at the JCSDA.

Accelerating the transition to operations of new sensors and new science is one of the main objectives of the JCSDA, as well as improving the current assimilation of existing sensors. The visiting scientist program's purpose is to help the JCSDA reach its overarching goals and scientific objectives while at the same time to offer the visiting scientist an opportunity to enrich his/her experience and interact with JCSDA scientists. - Full details on program.

Dr. Wayman Baker Retires
After 30 Years of Government Service

September 10, 2009 - After 30 years of service to NOAA and the federal government, Dr. Wayman Baker has announced his retirement. Dr. Baker is a past Deputy Director of NCEP's Central Operations and a Chief Administrative Officer of JCSDA. A luncheon honoring his service and achievements is being held on Thursday, October 1, 2009.

More information on Dr. Baker's distinguished career and details of the luncheon.

JCSDA 2009 Summer Colloquium on Data Assimilation

August 27, 2009 - The NASA/NOAA/DoD Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation (JCSDA)'s Summer Colloquium on Data Assimilation in 2009 took place July 7-17, 2009. The presentations, agenda, and attendees are now available at the Universities Space Research Association's website.