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Short Course Registration Information

AMS Short Course on Interpretation and Use of Climate Monitoring and Prediction Information

Sunday, 6 January 2013

      The AMS committee on Applied Climatology will offer a one-day short course on “Interpretation and Use of Climate Monitoring and Prediction Information” on January 6, 2013. This course will introduce and describe in detail the key kinds of short-term climate variability that can be used to link forecasts across the climate-weather time scale and improve user situational awareness. Specific examples will be shown along with a hands-on exercise where students can assess the current state of these patterns and apply them to their specific work environment.

      Main focus of the short course will be on developing participants’ skills in interpretations of climate monitoring and prediction products as well as climate information so they can be used with confidence. Major emphasis will be given to intraseasonal to interannual climate variability such as the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) and teleconnection indices. Some information and discussion about inappropriate use of climate data related to the course topics is also planned. The course is intended for climate researchers, forecasters and stakeholders from the public and private sectors, water and other natural resource managers, energy and health users of climate information, broadcast meteorologists, and students considering careers in applied climatology fields.

      Many forecasters are well versed in factors that impact short-term weather forecasts of less than a week.  The demand to apply extended range forecast information continues to increase. In addition, numerous human dimension studies identify existing problems with interpretation of scientific terms used in climate monitoring and prediction products.  Understanding probabilistic terminology used in many climate products is especially challenging.  This problem grows larger when climate product users attempt to apply the misunderstood information for realtime practical applications. The lack of intuitive knowledge about the benefits and limitations of climate information restrains users’ ability to take full advantage of the climate services provided by many government, non-government, and academia institutions. This course will enable professionals from various fields to gain expert-knowledge for the understanding of scientific terms and tools used to create short-term climate variability forecasts.

      A laptop is required for the course and wireless internet access will be available. Participants will use their laptops to access presentations, take notes, and accomplish individual and group exercises. Instructors for the course are being finalized.

       For more information please contact: Jon Gottschalck (NOAA / NCEP / CPC; 301-763-8000 x7753; Jon.Gottschalck@noaa.gov) and/or Marina Timofeyeva (NOAA / OCWWS / CSD; 301-713-1970 x131; e-mail Marina.Timofeyeva@noaa.gov).