As the day gets started, many of you get a weather forecast from your television, app or other medium.
Last night you may have eaten fish or seafood for dinner.
In recent days, tsunami warnings were issued for parts of the Caribbean Sea.
In each case, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration was likely a central component to each of these routine activities. What is NOAA, and why is it so important?
According to NOAA’s website, the mission of the U.S. government agency is, “To understand and predict changes in climate, weather, ocean, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources.”
NOAA actually resides within the Department of Commerce. Weather, climate, coastal resources and fisheries are critical to the economic vitality of the nation. Recently, President Trump nominated Dr. Neil Jacobs to serve as the NOAA Administrator. Jacobs is no stranger to the role as he served during the previous Trump administration. Though caught up in the Sharpiegate saga, Jacobs is a scientist who knows the importance of the agency to the U.S. He was recently elected Fellow of the American Meteorological Society.
Let’s now take a closer look at NOAA.
Weather Forecasts and Warnings
Unfortunately, many people think weather apps are magical fairies pulling information out of the ether. In fact, NOAA weather data, satellite information, computer models, radars, ocean observing systems and personnel are the backbone of the nation’s weather forecasts and warnings. Before you eat a French fry or potato chip, there was a supply chain that started with the potato farmer. That’s how you should think of NOAA, which houses the National Weather Service.
As we transition to Spring, the Storm Prediction Center will be providing critical information along with the Weather Prediction Center. The National Hurricane Center is the definitive source as hurricanes take their usual pathways in the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean in route to the U.S.
The Space Weather Prediction Center monitors solar events that pose a threat to our communications, GPS and other networks.
The Aviation Weather Center is the source of important weather information to keep our aviation industry operating and passengers safe.
The Environmental Modeling Center is where U.S. weather models are run.
All of these centers comprise the National Centers for Environmental Prediction.
Here is the bottom line: NCEP is basically where your weather forecasts begin, irrespective of how you receive them. In addition to the centers, there are Weather Forecast Offices throughout the country to support specific regions.
Do you follow your local WFO?
Oceans and Climate
Two other critical centers within NCEP are the Ocean Prediction Center and the Climate Prediction Center.
If you have taken a cruise or purchased anything shipped from another country, OPC’s vital forecasts were front and center. Its website points out that, “11 million Americans travel on cruise ships each year, and that our nation’s maritime shipping industry – the way we primarily receive goods from other countries – is a 1.5 trillion dollar economic activity annually for the U.S….” Large waves, high winds, freezing sea spray, sea ice and volcanic ash are quite hazardous for maritime traffic.
The Climate Prediction Center is also a very important part of NOAA’s focus on climate.
First, let me define “climate” because it unfortunately gets misrepresented in narratives and misinformation. According to the American Meteorological Society Glossary, climate is, “The slowly varying aspects of the atmosphere–hydrosphere–land surface system.” It is often described as “average weather,” but it is really the full statistical range of weather including maximums, minimums, frequency of occurrence and more.
CPC focuses on seasonal variations and predictability at climate scales. They produce outlooks spanning weeks, months, or seasons. Such information is vital to host of actors within the economy including farmers, energy companies, the insurance industry, clothing manufacturers and more.
At the longer time scales NOAA plays a key role in maintaining long-term climate records, supporting Congressionally-mandated national climate assessments and educating the public. NOAA climate data, modeling and expertise is vital and is essential to our science enterprise. Various news outlets recently reported that NOAA grants are under review for certain climate terms.
The Seafood Connection
NOAA Marine Fisheries Service is a significant part of the agency that touches you weekly if you consume fish or seafood. Its website noted, “NOAA Fisheries is responsible for the stewardship of the nation’s ocean resources and their habitat. We provide vital services for the nation, all backed by sound science and an ecosystem-based approach to management.” Their activities help maintain safe sources of seafood, sustainable fisheries, and healthy ecosystems. That’s a big “So What?”
NOAA also houses line offices such as the National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service; the Office of Atmospheric Research, NOAA Corps; and the Office of Aviation and Marine Operations. It should also be noted that a large network of private companies and other organizations support and enable NOAA’s functionality. It truly is a team effort for our country.
NOAA is one of those agencies that may fly beneath the radar of many Americans, but it is so important for our nation and the future of our home planet.