Module Summary

This fourth in a series of POES training modules introduces weather forecasters to the unique all-weather sounding capabilities available with today's NOAA polar satellites and helps the forecaster prepare for the availability of POES sounding products in AWIPS.

POES orbiters combine visible, infrared, and microwave sounding technology to provide dedicated retrievals of atmospheric temperature and moisture products on a global scale and under most weather conditions. 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.

The major components of this module include:

• POES sounder frequently asked questions (FAQ)
• A comparison of POES, GOES, and RAOB sounding characteristics and capabilities that highlight the differences as well as the complementary nature of each observing system
• Sounding examples for overlapping POES, GOES, and RAOB coverage that demonstrate the effects of geography and weather on data availability
• A POES sounding product summary table with examples and Web links to real-time data
• A POES retrieval processing system
• A module self-test
• A learning resources section with Web links to operational products and status updates
• A module survey
• A module summary