Dr. Robert M. Atlas Profile

Dr. Robert M. Atlas

Director at National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

SPIE Involvement:

Author

Publications (26)

Proceedings Article | 18 September 2018 Presentation + Paper

Overview of the NASA TROPICS CubeSat constellation mission

W. Blackwell, S. Braun, B. Zavodsky, C. Velden, T. Greenwald, D. Herndon, R. Bennartz, M. DeMaria, G. Chirokova, R. Atlas, J. Dunion, F. Marks, R. Rogers, H. Christophersen, B. Annane

Proceedings Volume 10769, 1076908 (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2320333

KEYWORDS: Satellites, Microwave radiation, Radiometry, Spatial resolution, Spectrometers, Temporal resolution, Antennas, Data modeling

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Recent technology advances in miniature microwave radiometers that can be hosted on very small satellites has made possible a new class of affordable constellation missions that provide very high revisit rates of tropical cyclones and other severe weather. The Time-Resolved Observations of Precipitation structure and storm Intensity with a Constellation of Smallsats (TROPICS) mission was selected by NASA as part of the Earth Venture–Instrument (EVI-3) program and is now in development with planned launch readiness in late 2019. The overarching goal for TROPICS is to provide nearly all-weather observations of 3-D temperature and humidity, as well as cloud ice and precipitation horizontal structure, at high temporal resolution to conduct high-value science investigations of tropical cyclones (TCs). TROPICS will provide rapid-refresh microwave measurements (median refresh rate better than 60 minutes for the baseline mission) over the tropics that can be used to observe the thermodynamics of the troposphere and precipitation structure for storm systems at the mesoscale and synoptic scale over the entire storm lifecycle. TROPICS will comprise a constellation of at least six CubeSats in three low-Earth orbital planes. Each CubeSat will host a high performance radiometer to provide temperature profiles using seven channels near the 118.75 GHz oxygen absorption line, water vapor profiles using three channels near the 183 GHz water vapor absorption line, imagery in a single channel near 90 GHz for precipitation measurements (when combined with higher resolution water vapor channels), and a single channel at 205 GHz that is more sensitive to precipitation-sized ice particles and low-level moisture. This observing system offers an unprecedented combination of horizontal and temporal resolution in the microwave spectrum to measure environmental and inner-core conditions for TCs on a nearly global scale and is a major leap forward in the temporal resolution of several key parameters needed for assimilation into advanced data assimilation systems capable of utilizing rapid-update radiance or retrieval data. Here, we provide an overview of the mission and an update on current status, with a focus on unique characteristics of the Cubesat system, recent performance simulations on a range of observables to be provided by the constellation, and a summary of science applications.

Proceedings Article | 18 September 2018 Presentation

Observing system simulation experiments to assess the potential impact of CubeSats and other small satellite constellations on numerical weather prediction (Conference Presentation)

Robert Atlas, Sid Boukabara, Jun Li

Proceedings Volume 10769, 1076909 (2018) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2319861

KEYWORDS: Meteorological satellites, Satellites, Computer simulations, Infrared radiation, Microwave radiation, Satellite navigation systems

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Proceedings Article | 30 August 2017 Presentation + Paper

Application of Doppler wind lidar observations to hurricane analysis and prediction

R. Atlas, J. Zhang, G. Emmitt, L. Bucci, K. Ryan

Proceedings Volume 10406, 1040609 (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2270285

KEYWORDS: LIDAR, Doppler effect, Wind measurement, Motion measurement, Profiling, Meteorological satellites, Satellites

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Proceedings Article | 19 September 2014 Paper

Observing system simulation experiments to assess the potential impact of proposed satellite instruments on hurricane prediction

Robert Atlas, Thomas Pagano

Proceedings Volume 9222, 922202 (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2063648

KEYWORDS: LIDAR, Satellites, Meteorological satellites, Atmospheric modeling, Data modeling, Systems modeling, Device simulation, Computer simulations, Error analysis, Environmental sensing

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Proceedings Article | 23 September 2013 Paper

Observing system simulation experiments to evaluate the impact of remotely sensed data on hurricane track and intensity prediction

Robert Atlas, George Emmitt, Thomas Pagano

Proceedings Volume 8870, 887005 (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2024445

KEYWORDS: LIDAR, Data modeling, Satellites, Atmospheric modeling, Meteorological satellites, Systems modeling, 3D modeling, Computer simulations, Environmental sensing, Data centers

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Proceedings Article | 15 October 2012 Paper

Observing system simulation experiments to assess the impact of remotely sensed data on hurricane prediction

Robert Atlas

Proceedings Volume 8515, 85150P (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.927595

KEYWORDS: LIDAR, Data modeling, Atmospheric modeling, Satellites, Meteorological satellites, Systems modeling, Computer simulations, 3D modeling, Environmental sensing, Data centers

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Proceedings Article | 12 August 2010 Paper

Impact of satellite surface wind observations on ocean surface wind analyses and numerical weather prediction

Robert Atlas, Ross Hoffman, S. Mark Leidner, Joseph Ardizzone

Proceedings Volume 7811, 781102 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.858790

KEYWORDS: Data modeling, Satellites, Meteorological satellites, Earth observing sensors, Statistical analysis, Atmospheric modeling, Antennas, Backscatter, Error analysis, Microwave radiation

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Proceedings Article | 19 August 2009 Paper

A cross-calibrated multiple platform ocean surface wind data set

Robert Atlas, Ross Hoffman, Joseph Ardizzone

Proceedings Volume 7459, 74590D (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.824465

KEYWORDS: Satellites, Microwave radiation, Climatology, Analytical research, Received signal strength, Data modeling, Atmospheric modeling, Data centers, Meteorology, Spatial resolution

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Proceedings Article | 25 August 2008 Paper

Application of satellite surface wind data to ocean wind analysis

Robert Atlas, Joseph Ardizzone, Ross Hoffman

Proceedings Volume 7087, 70870B (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.795371

KEYWORDS: Satellites, Analytical research, Microwave radiation, Received signal strength, Remote sensing, Data centers, Radiometry, Sensors, Earth observing sensors, Meteorology

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Proceedings Article | 25 August 2008 Paper

Application of OSSEs to observing system design

Robert Atlas, Lars Riishojgaard

Proceedings Volume 7087, 708707 (2008) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.795344

KEYWORDS: LIDAR, Atmospheric modeling, Data modeling, Satellites, Meteorological satellites, 3D modeling, Environmental sensing, Data centers, Earth observing sensors, Climatology

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Proceedings Article | 26 September 2007 Paper

Development of an airborne molecular direct detection Doppler lidar for tropospheric wind profiling

Bruce Gentry, Matthew McGill, Geary Schwemmer, Michael Hardesty, Alan Brewer, Thomas Wilkerson, Robert Atlas, Marcos Sirota, Scott Lindemann, Floyd Hovis

Proceedings Volume 6681, 66810B (2007) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.739379

KEYWORDS: LIDAR, Doppler effect, Fabry–Perot interferometers, Receivers, Holographic optical elements, Telescopes, Wind measurement, Aerosols, Space telescopes, Signal detection

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Proceedings Article | 1 September 2006 Paper

Geophysical validation of WINDSAT surface wind data and its impact on numerical weather prediction

Robert Atlas, O. Reale, J. Ardizzone, J. Terry, J.-C. Jusem, E. Brin, D. Bungato, P. Woiceshyn

Proceedings Volume 6301, 63010C (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.680923

KEYWORDS: Data modeling, Satellites, Backscatter, Antennas, Atmospheric modeling, Data centers, Microwave radiation, Meteorology, Earth observing sensors, Scatter measurement

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Proceedings Article | 4 May 2006 Paper

The use of remotely sensed data and innovative modeling to improve hurricane prediction

Robert Atlas, O. Reale, B.-W. Shen, S.-J. Lin

Proceedings Volume 6233, 62330U (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.673221

KEYWORDS: Data modeling, Atmospheric modeling, LIDAR, Satellites, Microwave radiation, Systems modeling, Meteorology, Data centers, Wind measurement, Earth observing sensors

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Proceedings Article | 10 September 2005 Paper

Results of recent OSSEs to evaluate the potential impact of lidar winds

Robert Atlas

Proceedings Volume 5887, 58870K (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.617882

KEYWORDS: LIDAR, Atmospheric modeling, Data modeling, Satellites, Meteorological satellites, 3D modeling, Computer simulations, Analytical research, Environmental sensing, Numerical integration

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Proceedings Article | 1 June 2005 Paper

The impact of AIRS data on weather prediction

Robert Atlas

Proceedings Volume 5806, (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.602540

KEYWORDS: Atmospheric modeling, Data modeling, Satellites, Control systems, Meteorological satellites, Data centers, 3D modeling, Computer simulations, Systems modeling, Clouds

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Proceedings Article | 1 June 2005 Paper

Atmospheric soundings from AIRS/AMSU in partial cloud cover

Joel Susskind, Robert Atlas

Proceedings Volume 5806, (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.602546

KEYWORDS: Clouds, Temperature metrology, Skin, Algorithm development, Microwave radiation, Error analysis, Analytical research, Remote sensing, Spectral resolution, Climatology

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Simultaneous use of AIRS/AMSU-A observations allow for the determination of accurate atmospheric soundings under partial cloud cover conditions. The methodology involves the determination of the radiances AIRS would have seen if the AIRS fields of view were clear, called clear column radiances, and use of these radiances to infer the atmospheric and surface conditions giving rise to these clear column radiances. Susskind et al. demonstrate via simulation that accurate temperature soundings and clear column radiances can be derived from AIRS/AMSU-A observations in cases of up to 80% partial cloud cover, with only a small degradation in accuracy compared to that obtained in clear scenes. Susskind and Atlas show that these findings hold for real AIRS/AMSU-A soundings as well. For data assimilation purposes, this small degradation in accuracy is more than offset by a significant increase in spatial coverage (roughly 50% of global cases were accepted, compared to 3.6% of the global cases being diagnosed as clear), and assimilation of AIRS temperature soundings in partially cloudy conditions resulted in a larger improvement in forecast skill than when AIRS soundings were assimilated only under clear conditions. Alternatively, derived AIRS clear column radiances under partial cloud cover could also be used for data assimilation purposes. Further improvements in AIRS sounding methodology have been made since the results shown in Susskind and Atlas. A new version of the AIRS/AMSU-A retrieval algorithm, Version 4.0, was delivered to the Goddard DAAC in February 2005 for production of AIRS derived products, including clear column radiances. The major improvement in the Version 4.0 retrieval algorithm is with regard to a more flexible, parameter dependent, quality control. Results are shown of the accuracy and spatial distribution of temperature-moisture profiles and clear column radiances derived from AIRS/AMSU-A as a function of fractional cloud cover using the Version 4.0 algorithm. Use of the Version 4.0 AIRS temperature profiles increased the positive forecast impact arising from AIRS retrievals relative to what was shown in Susskind and Atlas.

Proceedings Article | 5 January 2005 Paper

The impact of current and future polar-orbiting satellite data on numerical weather prediction at NASA/GSFC

Robert Atlas

Proceedings Volume 5658, (2005) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.578323

KEYWORDS: Satellites, LIDAR, Data modeling, Atmospheric modeling, Meteorological satellites, Analytical research, 3D modeling, Earth observing sensors, Environmental sensing, Wind measurement

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Proceedings Article | 15 September 2004 Paper

Impact of satellite surface-wind data on weather prediction

Robert Atlas

Proceedings Volume 5549, (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.558447

KEYWORDS: Data modeling, Satellites, Meteorological satellites, Atmospheric modeling, Earth observing sensors, Backscatter, Antennas, Error analysis, Data centers, Wind measurement

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Proceedings Article | 12 August 2004 Paper

Atmospheric soundings from AIRS/AMSU/HSB

Joel Susskind, Robert Atlas

Proceedings Volume 5425, (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.541324

KEYWORDS: Clouds, Temperature metrology, Microwave radiation, Skin, Data modeling, Ozone, Physics, Infrared radiation, Spectral resolution, Knowledge management

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Proceedings Article | 23 December 2003 Paper

Potential impact of space-based lidar wind profiles on weather prediction

Robert Atlas, G. David Emmitt, Joseph Terry, Eugenia Brin, Joseph Ardizzone, Juan Carlos Jusem, Dennis Bungato

Proceedings Volume 5154, (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.503859

KEYWORDS: LIDAR, Atmospheric modeling, Data modeling, Analytical research, Systems modeling, Meteorological satellites, Satellites, Data centers, Atmospheric monitoring, Numerical integration

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Proceedings Article | 5 November 2003 Paper

Impact of Quikscat data on numerical weather prediction

Robert Atlas, Stephen Bloom, Joseph Ardizzone, Eugenia Brin, Joseph Terry, Tsann-Wang Yu

Proceedings Volume 5155, (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.505896

KEYWORDS: Data modeling, Atmospheric modeling, Data centers, Coastal modeling, Environmental sensing, Oceanography, Satellites, Remote sensing, Picosecond phenomena, Astatine

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Proceedings Article | 21 August 2003 Paper

OSSES to determine the requirements for space-based lidar winds for weather prediction

Robert Atlas, G. Emmitt, Joseph Terry, Eugenia Brin, Joseph Ardizzone, Juan Carlos Jusem, Dennis Bungato

Proceedings Volume 5086, (2003) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.487075

KEYWORDS: LIDAR, Data modeling, Atmospheric modeling, Analytical research, Systems modeling, Meteorological satellites, Satellites, Computer simulations, Numerical integration, Calibration

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Proceedings Article | 9 January 2002 Paper

Impact of Doppler lidar wind observations on a single-level meteorological analysis

Lars Riishojgaard, Robert Atlas, George Emmitt

Proceedings Volume 4484, (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.452789

KEYWORDS: Error analysis, Data modeling, LIDAR, Doppler effect, Statistical analysis, Environmental sensing, Systems modeling, Mathematical modeling, Satellites, Atmospheric modeling

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Proceedings Article | 28 May 1999 Paper

Application of lidar winds to data assimilation and numerical weather prediction

Robert Atlas

Proceedings Volume 3707, (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.351349

KEYWORDS: LIDAR, Satellites, Atmospheric modeling, Error analysis, Data modeling, 3D modeling, Analytical research, Systems modeling, Data centers, Earth observing sensors

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Proceedings Article | 3 October 1998 Paper

Experiments to determine the requirements for lidar wind profile data from space

Robert Atlas

Proceedings Volume 3439, (1998) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.325615

KEYWORDS: LIDAR, Satellites, Error analysis, Atmospheric modeling, Information operations, 3D modeling, Data modeling, Earth observing sensors, Analytical research, Electronic design automation

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Proceedings Article | 18 September 1997 Paper

Preliminary evaluation of NASA scatterometer data and its application to ocean surface analysis and numerical weather prediction

Robert Atlas

Proceedings Volume 3117, (1997) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.278914

KEYWORDS: Satellites, Error analysis, Data centers, Environmental sensing, Remote sensing, Satellite imaging, Image sensors, Sensors, Microwave radiation, Imaging systems

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Showing 5 of 26 publications

Conference Committee Involvement (3)

Remote Sensing System Engineering VI

1 September 2016 | San Diego, California, United States

Remote Sensing System Engineering V

18 August 2014 | San Diego, California, United States

Remote Sensing System Engineering IV

12 August 2012 | San Diego, California, United States

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