NOAA SEEKS EXPERTS TO REVIEW HURRICANE INTENSITY RESEARCH

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is currently seeking external experts for a team that will review the agency’s hurricane intensity research and development efforts to ensure improved operational forecasts.

“Populations in coastal areas are growing, and with that growth comes the likelihood that more coast residents will be exposed to the power of a hurricane. This makes accurate and timely forecasts for evacuations that much more important for saving lives, while making a minimal impact on the nation’s economy,” said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “We’re interested in having contributions from the best and brightest in the field to refine our products and continue to improve our services.”

The review will be conducted under the auspices of the NOAA Science Advisory Board. The Board advises Lautenbacher on long- and short-term strategies for research, education and the application of science pertaining to NOAA’s mission.

NOAA seeks at least eight individuals for this team. Expertise as a group should include tropical cyclone instrumentation, observations and modeling, atmospheric and ocean dynamics, vortex dynamics, fluid mechanics, forecast operations, and operational numerical environmental modeling.

The team will address science and science planning, transition of research to operations and resource planning. A preliminary report to the Science Advisory Board will be due within six months of being established with the final report expected within nine months.

Members should be nationally and professionally known, have knowledge of and experience with the science that supports NOAA’s tropical cyclone research and operations. They should also have experience with the organization and management of complex mission-oriented research and development programs. Members must have no perceived or actual vested interest or conflict of interest that might undermine the credibility of the review.

NOAA, an agency of the U.S. Commerce Department, is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through research to better understand atmospheric and climate variability and to manage wisely our nation's coastal and marine resources. For more information about NOAA please visit: http://www.noaa.gov.