When QuikSCAT became available to the OPC Forecasters at their workstations in October 2001, it quickly became apparent that the data was extremely useful in filling in the data void over the ocean areas. Although forecasters were able to qualitatively express the positive impact of using the QuikSCAT data, quantiative evidence to support this fact was lacking. Beginning with the Fall/Winter of 2002 a series of studies were conducted to determine the quantiative impact of QuikSCAT winds on the issuance of Marine Wind Warnings in the OPC.

• Fall 2002 - QuikSCAT Forecaster Survey

To assess the usefulness and the accuracy of QuikSCAT data, OPC staff forecasters were asked to complete a survey about their use of the QuikSCAT wind product. The questions addressed the source and frequency of use as well as the strengths and weaknesses they observed in the data. The forecasters were also asked to specify how they use the product in their forecast process.

Upon analyzing the results of the survey, it was obvious that the use of the QuikSCAT data in the MPC is close to 100%. The source of the data was varied as were the reasons that the forecasters found the data useful. However, important conclusions were drawn from the forecasters’ comments leading to valuable recommendations for future use of the QuikSCAT data.

Click here for Survey Results (pdf version).

• Impact Study #1 (15 NOV - 15 DEC 2002)

Although forecasters in OPC found that QuikSCAT made a positive impact on the issuance of Marine Wind Warnings, quantitative documentation of this was lacking. During Fall of 2002, a month long study was conducted specifically to quantitatively measure the impact of QuickSCAT. Forecasters were provided shift logs and were asked to note when QuikSCAT winds were the deciding factor in the issuance or change of a warning. At the end of the test month the data was collected and entered into a spreadsheet for analysis. Examination of the results showed that the number of warnings issued when QuikSCAT winds were used in the forecast process increased by 30% in the Atlantic and 22% in the Pacific .

Click here for Impact Results (pdf version)

Click here for Impact Results (PowerPoint Slide Show )

IImpact Study #2 (15 MAY - 15 JUN 2003)

A study similar to the Fall 2003 study was conducted in the Spring of 2003. This is a less active time of year climatologically so impact results were not as significant. However, once again the number of wind warnings increased in both oceans when QuikSCAT winds were used by OPC forecasters. As in the previous study, the increase was greater in the North Atlantic, than in the North Pacific

Click here for results of study #2 (powerpoint presentation)

• Impact Study #3 (15 NOV - 15 DEC 2003)

  During the period NOV15 – DEC 15 2003 the third in a series of studies was conducted to quantify the impact of QuikSCAT wind data on the issuance of short-term marine wind warnings in the Ocean Prediction Center (OPC). The total number of warning labels issued by the OPC forecasters increased by five percent in the North Atlantic and by four percent in the North Pacific. While the impact appears to be much lower than in the past two studies (reasons yet to be determined) there are some consistencies within the analysis of the results. As in the previous two studies the increase in total number of warning labels issued was greater in the Atlantic than in the Pacific. The greatest impact was also again seen within the higher warning categories.

  For results (pdf version) of study #3 click here .

• QuikSCAT USAGE SURVEY (JAN 2004)
  Because of the disappointing numbers in the previous study,there were concerns that the QuikSCAT data was not being utilized to its full potential. A QuikSCAT usage survey was conducted and revealed that many forecasters did not fully understand rain-flagged data and therefore routinely disregarded all rain flagged data. Prior to the fall 2003 study, timelines that display the exact time the scatterometer data was taken were added to NAWIPS workstation displays. Forecasters have apparently become more discriminating regarding the timeliness of data to use in an analysis. Forecasters also have varying ideas as to what data is considered too old to use.

  Click here for survey results

• Impact Study #4 (15 FEB - 15 MAR 2004)

  Prior to beginning study #4 OPC forecasters were provided with a tutorial about using rainflagged data and were given guidelines concerning the timliness of the data. In addition to examining the impact on the number of wind warnings this study was set up to examine all changes made to the surface analysis using QuikSCAT data.

Click here for results of study #4(powerpoint presentation)