NUMBER 96

DATE: 08/05/91

Sector Processing Center (SPC):

During June, NOA, ESA and JMA processed greater than 95% of A data into B1/B2 data.

Normal operations were reported by NOA, ESA and JMA.

ESA reported that operations continued with METEOSAT-4 during June.

AES reported that a change of computer system has interrupted processing of GOES-7 data into B2 format. All data are being captured, but not processed and shipped. They plan to re-start data deliveries in August and eliminate the backlog within two to three months.

CSU reported that collection of data from METEOSAT-3, now at 50 West longitude, will be attempted in August; however, NOAA has not yet defined a final transmission format. CSU also reported completion of the re-formatting of INSAT-1B data into Stage B2 for 1988; normalization of these data has begun with a preliminary examination of the data through March 88. A calibration shift is apparent in spring equinox (ecllipse operations) but not in the fall. Other than a few problems in late July, data quality seems high.

Special Area Processing Center (SAPC):

No reports were received.

Satellite Calibration Center (SCC):

BC data for MET-4 in January 91 were sent to the GPC; all BC data are now current through January 91. AC data were received for NOA in May 91 and for GMS and MET in June 91. No AC data beyond the March 91 data have been received from AES for GOES-7. In anticipation of collecting data from METEOSAT-3 at 50 West, the SCC arranged for collection of AC data by ESA; the required METEOSAT-3 and NOAA-11 AC images for August 91 were requested on schedule.

Global Processing Center (GPC):

The GPC continued to receive B2 data, BC data and correlative data in a routine manner.

Production of NOAA-11 (preliminary) B3 data is current. NOAA-11 B3 data have been re-calibrated through December 90. The preliminary calibration results from six NASA ER-2 flights spanning the lifetime of NOAA-11 (so far) have a small (5%) offset with respect to the current ISCCP calibration; however, this occurs after the aircraft calibrations were re-calculated using different assumptions. The original aircraft values from the first flight were in better agreement with the ISCCP results, based on NOAA-9 and earlier ER-2 flights. In fact, the newer aircraft results appear to be inconsistent with the earlier aircraft calibrations. All of these results are being studied further to determine whether a change in the ISCCP calibration is warranted, although consistency with previous data would argue for use of the earlier aircraft calibration standard. All NOAA-11 B3 have been delivered to the ICA through 89.

Production of NOAA-10 (preliminary) B3 data is current. Re-calibration of NOAA-10 B3 data has been completed through December 90; NOAA-10 B3 data have been delivered to the ICA through 89.

Production of METEOSAT (preliminary) B3 data is current. METEOSAT B3 data for January - June 89 have been re-calibrated and delivered to the ICA.

Production of GOES-6 B3 data is completed.

Production of GOES-7 (preliminary) B3 data is current.

Production of GMS-4 (preliminary) B3 data is current.

The processing software to convert INSAT-1 B2 data into B3 format is being tested.

Production of TOVS correlative data is current. Sea ice data for 90 were received. The ice/snow correlative dataset for 90 has been produced and shipped to the ICA.

The CPU on the smaller computer used at the GPC to produce C1/C2 data was recently upgraded, allowing for somewhat faster processing; we will have a better estimate of the practical processing pace that can be maintained after a couple of months experience. C1 data for January, February, March and April 88 have been completed. C2 data for 87 have been shipped to the ICA.

ISCCP Central Archive (ICA):

The ICA continued to receive B1 data from NOA, AES, ESA, and JMA and B3 and C data from the GPC in a routine manner.