NMOC Quarterly Summary October-December 2001

Archives

Analyses & Numerical Prediction | About Products | Map/Image/Chart Archives

NMOC archive (on magnetic tape) a large number of data and products. This includes:

• observational data used in the NWP analyses
• grids of manual and NWP alakysis and prognoses
• manual and NWP analysis charts

a. Observations Data

Global real-time observational data used in the manual and NWP analyses, as listed in Section 1 a: Data Receipt in this Report, have been archived since 1972.

b. NWP Analysis and Prognosis Data

NWP data has been archived over the years in various Bureau specific and, in recent years, more universal standardised formats. Australian Region numerical analysis archives exist back to 1969, Southern Hemisphere to 1972, Tropical analyses to 1983 and Global analyses to 1989. Sea State numerical archives commence in 1988 and Sea Surface Temperature begin in 1987. Numerical rainfall analyses begin in 1992. In recent times, there has been some attempt to convert the older archives to the more widely accepted international formats. The analyses grids are kept permanently, numerical prognosis grids for 3 years, boundary condition files and first guess prognosis fields for 3 months.

c. Analysis Charts

The analysis charts are archived in a variety of formats. Manual MSLP analysis charts for 1887 to 1956 are stored by National Archives Australia (NAA). From 1956 they are held on microfilm, by NAA and also by the Bureau . Recent analysis charts are also archived in digital form and are available on the WEB as browse metadata to assist with ordering from the main grid archive.

The following tables list the additions to the browse charts during the September-December 2001 quarter. The full listing is at

http://www.bom.gov.au/nmoc/archives/dm_browse.shtml

A project is currently underway to scan historical paper and microfilm analysis charts so they will also be available through the WEB browse facility. During 2001-02 the Australian Region (AR) and Southern Hemisphere (SH) charts back to 1956 are being scanned and are gradually becoming available on the WEB. Stage 2 for 2002-03 will tackle the period from 1956 to 1887 and stage 3 will cover Regional pre Federation charts.