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Mission...
To conduct theoretical and multi-sensor
observational research on severe local storms and attendant phenomena.
The goal of this research is to help the National Weather Service improve
the prediction and warning of severe weather and tornadoes.
Scientists at NSSL are pursuing convective weather research across a range of topics:
Tornadogenesis
NSSL scientists are working to understand the origins of tornadoes in thunderstorms through the use of theory, in situ observations, and numerical models. The research focuses on understanding how the local environment around the storm and internal processes within the storm produce tornadoes. New insight into these processes can then be incorporated into NSSL's warning decision technologies to help improve warnings for tornadoes and severe storms.
- The SMART Radar Program -- NSSL's mobile Doppler radars
- SWAP -- the Severe Weather Analysis and Prediction Group
Lightning Research
NSSL scientists are working to develop understanding of how storms produce lightning, and of what lightning data reveal about the microphysics, kinematics, and severity of storms. This information is used to help develop methods for using lightning data to improve forecasting and nowcasting of storms and storm hazards.
- The Electrical Nature of Storms
- TELEX -- the Thunderstorm Electrification and Lightning Experiment
- Oklahoma Lightning Mapping Array
Satellite/Multi-sensor Data Integration
NSSL scientists are working on developing applications that enhance the utilization of satellite data in conjunction with Doppler radar and other data sources for the detection and forecasting of hazardous weather. The goal of this work is to improve understanding of the effects of the land surface and moisture anomalies on conditions relevant to severe weather. Working closely withh NESDIS, the Storm Prediction Center (SPC), and Cooperative Institutes (CIMSS, CIMMS and CIRA), NSSL is actively involved in:
- The incorporation of satellite data into operational and research analysis systems
- Studies of the evolution of atmospheric moisture and precipitation
- Studies of the climatology of convective and extreme weather events
