Summary

Course description

As low-lying and archipelagic countries located on the maritime continent, the WMO RA V member countries (Southwest Pacific) are vulnerable to climate change and strongly influenced by the various ocean-atmosphere interactions and variabilities. Natural disasters such as cyclones, coastal floods, storm surges, and tsunamis, occur every year and frequently impact coastal areas. Infrastructures are destroyed, and economic opportunities and livelihoods are disrupted or lost with each new disaster. To mitigate the risks posed by these disasters, National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) need to be able to provide accurate early warning information to stakeholders.

Considering the importance of developing the capacity and skills of marine weather forecasters, BMKG collaborates with OTGA and WMO in conducting a related training program titled Training Course on the Implementation of Satellite Altimetry Data for Operational Metocean Services: Wave Height and Sea Surface Height (SSH). The training course program will be conducted in blended learning, which combines online and face-to-face/classroom modes.

The goal of this course is to enable participants to apply advanced satellite oceanography technology for marine meteorological services, specifically concentrating on the precise assessment of wave height and sea surface height in their respective countries. 

The program will focus on utilizing satellite technology to enhance the accuracy of wave height and sea surface height in marine services. Several types of satellite altimetry data will be explored. By the utilization of satellite altimetry data, the forecasted wave height output from Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) will be verified. The course will also examine using various satellite observations to monitor significant wave height, sea surface height, and sea level rise. Throughout the course, trainees will have the opportunity to develop their skills in satellite data processing, interpretation, analysis, and visualization. Hands-on training activities will provide cutting-edge data processing techniques, and participants will gain the scientific expertise needed to derive accurate insights, enhancing their capabilities to contribute effectively to marine meteorological services.

Course content

Performance criteria to be addressed by the training according to the WMO Competency Framework for Marine Weather Forecasters are:

1. Analyze and monitor the marine weather situation continually;
2. Forecast marine weather phenomena, variables, and parameters;
3. Warn of hazardous marine meteorological phenomena;
4. Ensure the quality of marine meteorological information and services;
5. Communicate meteorological information to internal and external users.

 Additionally, according to WMO Guidelines on Satellite Skills and Knowledge for Operational Meteorologists, the performance criteria of marine weather forecasters in satellite application is to identify and interpret oceanic and water features and systems relevant to marine meteorological observation, which can be described, as follows:

1. Identify and interpret sea-state data and relate these to wave heights.
2. Identify and describe sea conditions in relation to sea surface height.
3. Identify sea-level rise and sea-level anomaly based on satellite data.

Modules:

1. Interaction of Ocean Parameter and Atmosphere

2: Basic principles of ocean remote sensing

3. Basic knowledge of satellite altimetry

4. Processing of satellite altimetry data

5. Interpretation of satellite altimetry products

Venue

The course will be conducted in online phase prior to on-campus phase. The on-campus phase will be conducted in the Regional Training Centre Facilities of BMKG in Citeko, West Java, Indonesia.

Course information 

The course will be conducted on the OTGA platform for online training (https://classroom.oceanteacher.org/) and include activities such as reading materials, distribution/ repository, quizzes, forum discussions, and assignments. Then, the on-campus phase will be implemented in the Regional Training Center Facilities in Citeko, West Java and in BMKG Hedquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia..

Learning activities

The major learning activities that will be included are Lectures, Discussions, Case studies, Coaching, Hands-on, Exercise and Action Plan.

Learning Outcomes

Desired learning outcomes of Training Course on the Implementation of Satellite Altimetry Data for Operational Metocean Services, written as measurable learning objectives as follows:

1. Understand the basic principle of ocean remote sensing
2. Understand the basic knowledge of satellite altimetry
3. Able to operate the processing stage of satellite altimetry
4. Able to interpret the satellite altimetry products.
5. Able to demonstrate the study case presented during the hands-on

Upon completion of the course, participants are enabled to apply advanced satellite oceanography technology for marine meteorological services, specifically concentrating on the precise assessment of wave height and sea surface height in their respective countries. Through hands-on training in cutting-edge data processing techniques, participants will gain the scientific expertise needed to derive accurate insights, enhancing their capabilities to contribute effectively to marine meteorological services.