This module in the series on polar satellite meteorology introduces forecasters to the sounding capabilities and products available from POES meteorological satellites. The module focuses on NOAA-15 atmospheric products. NOAA-15 is the first in a series to incorporate the Advanced TIROS Operational Vertical Sounders (ATOVS) instrument suite, which includes the new 20-channel Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU) along with existing visible and infrared capabilities. POES processing systems provide dedicated retrievals of atmospheric temperature and moisture soundings as well as other hydrometeorological products on a global scale and under a variety of weather conditions (clear and cloudy). By completing this module, forecasters will be better prepared for the arrival of POES soundings in AWIPS and to utilize the strengths of this unique global observing system.

The module compares POES sounding capabilities with those of other more familiar operational sounding systems, namely the GOES and RAOB. Visualizations, data captured in real-time, and concise discussions highlight the complementary nature of POES observations and suggest how products provide important information in otherwise data-sparse regions.

The module provides an interactive POES sounding retrieval flowchart that summarizes key steps in the ATOVS processing system used to generate satellite sounding profiles and derived products. The ATOVS system provides products to a variety of U.S. and international users with operational forecast and environmental monitoring responsibilities. The self-test at the end of the module reinforces key concepts and helps users evaluate what they've learned by completing the module.

Operational POES sounding products, their properties as well as limitations, are summarized for quick reference and evaluation. POES soundings are planned for implementation in AWIPS 5.0 and will represent a valuable addition to the existing RAOB network and GOES suite of sounding products.

Please Note

In order to maintain consistency between data displays and the text discussions, the following units are being used:

• mb (millibars) is being used in place of hPa