SBC Session 261: The Updated NASA SPoRT Sea Surface and Lake Surface Temperature Product

Описание: Session Preview: The Short-term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) Sea Surface Temperature (SST) product, originally developed in 2007, was among the earliest products produced by the SPoRT program. Over the past year, this product has undergone a major update, including the integration of additional observational datasets. New outputs now include SST temperature anomalies and data latency information. This presentation will provide an overview of the updated SST products, data availability (including the Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System [AWIPS]), and a discussion of recent application testing conducted with collaborators.

About the Presenters:
Kristopher White has served as an Applications Integration Meteorologist (AIM)—a joint position between the National Weather Service (NWS) and NASA’s Short-term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) Center—since August 2011. In this role, Kris works closely with SPoRT researchers to develop, test, and transition experimental satellite and modeling products to NWS forecasters at collaborative NWS offices across both CONUS and OCONUS. He also serves occasional rotating shifts as a Lead Forecaster at NWS Huntsville (HUN).

Prior to this role, Kris served as both a Lead Forecaster and a Journey Forecaster at NWS Huntsville. He began his career with the NWS as an intern at NWS Duluth, Minnesota, in March 2006.

Dr. Sebastian Harkema is a Research Scientist at the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) and collaborates extensively with NASA’s Short-term Prediction Research and Transition (SPoRT) Center. In this role, he updated the legacy SPoRT Sea Surface Temperature (SST) product and currently serves as the point-of-contact for the new SPoRT SST product. Sebastian also has extensive experience working with various satellite remote sensing instruments and numerical models to investigate cloud microphysics and relating those data to in-cloud electrification. Prior to this, he earned his B.S. from Central Michigan University and later completed his M.S. and Ph.D. at UAH.


About the SBC: The SBC Seminar Series is held weekly on Thursdays and provides an opportunity for scientists across the NOAA satellite community to share topics of interest with their peers. Presentations may cover applications of satellite data in the field, new developments in polar and geostationary programs, or any other satellite-related subject the community wishes to discuss. To receive updates on upcoming sessions, posted recordings, and other SBC announcements, you can subscribe using the form linked here. The series is organized and run by the TOWR-S team.

Access the SBC Sessions Archive here, and submit feedback on any previous session here.
About TOWR-S: The Total Operational Weather Readiness–Satellites (TOWR-S) team helps NOAA/NWS forecasters effectively use satellite data to support real-time decision-making. Through systems engineering, integration, training, and field-driven support, the team ensures new satellite capabilities transition smoothly into operations. TOWR-S develops and maintains tools such as the TOWRpro RPM, ISatSS, and other tools that enhance how satellite products are delivered and applied in mission.
Forecasters can explore these resources—and additional capabilities like VuSkew, the Mission Map, and reference procedures—on the TOWR-S Portal, accessible here:
https://geotowr.nws.noaa.gov
The team also conducts user engagement on behalf of NESDIS program offices and the NWS Office of Observations, including emerging activities such as the SBC Seminar Series, to help keep the field connected with the latest satellite advancements.
Questions on configuring satellite products or on the RPM, slack us at #towr-s.