Third THORPEX International Science Symposium
and TIGGE User Workshop
4 to 8 May 2009
Portola Hotel
Monterey, California
Background
THORPEX, an element of the WMO World Weather ResearchProgramme, is an international programme with a global scope which aims to accelerate improvements in the accuracy of 1-day to 2-week high-impact weather forecasts. These improvements will lead to substantial benefits for humanity, as we respond to the weather-related challenges of the 21st century.
Organising committee
Main contacts:
Chair: Jim Hansen ( )
Programme Chair: Istvan Szunyogh ()
TIGGE User Workshop: Richard Swinbank ( )
WMO contacts: David Burridge ()
Nathalie Tournier ()
Call for papers
The Symposium sessions will be organized along the themes of the main THORPEX working groups
1) Predictability and Dynamical Processes
2) Data Assimilation and Observing Systems
3) Global Interactive Forecasting Systems and the THORPEX Interactive Grand Global Ensemble (TIGGE)
4) In addition, if there are sufficient submissions there will be a fourth session on Societal and Economic Research Applications
Call for papers – guidelines –
The TIGGE User session and associated oral and poster presentations will
Show researchers how to use the TIGGE archive
Publicise and seek feedback on the plans for the development of a Global Interactive Forecasting System (GIFS)
Present early scientific results from TIGGE
Timetable
First announcement 20 September 2008
Second announcement 15 December 2008
Deadline for abstracts 31 January 2009
Information about acceptance 15 February 2009
Extended abstracts deadline 15 March 2009
Early registration closure 15 March 2009
Registration fee
A registration fee will be charged for all participants as follows
Early registration fee (by 15 March 2009)375 US$
Late registration fee (after 15 March 2009)475 US$
Symposium banquet
All registered participants will be invited to attend the conference banquet which will take place on the evening of Thursday 7 May at the Monterey Bay Aquarium
Programme – will be available at a later date
Abstract submission, registration and hotel reservation
Presenters should submit a short (300 words or less) abstract in MS Word or PDF format via the online registration form (see below). The submission should include title, author(s; presenter underlined), affiliation(s), text, preferred presentation type (oral/poster) and session. Final decisions on the allocation of an oral or poster session will be taken by the Programme Committee. The deadline for submission is 31 January 2009.
Abstract submission, registration and hotel reservations at the conference hotel can be made at
If you do not wish to stay at the conference hotel you will need to make reservations on your own. Monterey is a popular vacation and conference destination, so it is in your interest to make your hotel reservations early.
Additional information
Organising committee
The organisation of the Symposium is being shared by the International THORPEX Programme Office and the US Naval Research Laboratory.
The Organising Committee consists of Jim Hansen (NRL – Chair), Istvan Szunyogh (UMD – Programme Chair), Gilbert Brunet (EC), Rolf Langland (NRL), Richard Swinbank (UKMO), Florence Rabier (Meteo France), Tetsuo Nakazawa (JM), Eugene Poolman (SAWS), Huw Davies (ETH), David Hodyss (NRL), David Parsons (WWRP, THORPEX), David Burridge (THORPEX).
Call for papers – advice for authors
1) Predictability and Dynamical Processes
The THORPEX Predictability and Dynamical Processes Working Group (PDP WG) solicits contributed presentations that address the scientific problems of predictability and dynamical processes on the time scales ranging from 1-day to the sub-seasonal time scales. Studies based on observations, weather analyses, numerical experimentation and theoretical considerations are equally welcome.
Of special interest are studies investigating the representation of particular dynamical processes in NWP models and the effects of those dynamical processes on the forecast accuracy. The processes include Rossby wave dynamics; organized tropical convection (including MJO); tropical cyclones, their extra-tropical transition and effects on downstream mid-latitude predictability; ensemble prediction; atmospheric blocking; idealized model experiments; moist dynamics in the extra-tropics; and tropical-extra-tropical interactions.
Questions may be addressed to PDP WG Co-Chairs:- Istvan Szunyogh () and Heini Wernli ()
2) Data Assimilation and Observing Systems
The THORPEX Data Assimilation and Observing Systems Working Group (DAOS WG) solicits contributed presentations related to all aspects of data assimilation and observing systems relevant in the context of enhancing 1-to-14-day weather forecasts. Of particular interest are results from studies on flow dependent structure functions and targeting, improving the use of satellite data, novel routes in data assimilation, observing system design and observation impact studies.
Questions may be addressed to the DAOS WG Co-Chairs: Florence Rabier ( ) and, Pierre Gauthier ( ) and Roger Saunders ( )
3) Global Interactive Forecasting Systems and the THORPEX Interactive Grand Global Ensemble (TIGGE)
The TIGGE project has developed an archive of multi-model global medium-range forecasts from ten operational NWP centres which is open to the world-wide research community. The session will include overview talks on TIGGE and plans for a Global Interactive Forecasting System (GIFS). Contributed talks are solicited on research results based on TIGGE data, ensemble forecasting applications and plans for future developments. It is hoped that such contributions will help to accelerate the usage of the TIGGE data. Contributions describing the goals and requirements of the on-going research or demonstration projects using limited-area, multi-model concepts are also welcomed in this session.
Questions may be addressed to TIGGE Co-Chairs Phillippe Bougeault ( ) and Zoltan Toth ( ) and the TIGGE User Session organizer Richard Swinbank ( )
4) In addition, if there are sufficient submissions there will be a fourth session on Societal and Economic Research Applications
The WWRP Societal and Economic Research and Applications Working Group (WWRP/SERA WG) solicits contributed presentations related to all aspects of societal/economic research relevant in the context of enhancing global and regional-scale medium range weather predictions. Of particular interest are results from studies on the communication of uncertainty, user relevant verification, marginal benefits of high impact forecasts, and societal impacts of THORPEX forecast improvements.
Questions may be addressed to the WWRP/SERA WG Chair Brian Mills ( ).