Gary S. Wade
Cooperative Research Program
Advanced Satellite Products Branch, in Madison, Wisconsin
Research Scientist
Gary Wade received a B.S. in Physics from Fairfield
University in 1975 and did graduate work at the University of Wisconsin -
Madison (UW) in the Department of Meteorology (1975-1977). After working
with the North Dakota Weather Modification Board, Wade began working for
the UW Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC) in 1978, during the
First GARP (Global Atmospheric Research Program) Global Experiment (FGGE),
using the SSEC Man computer Interactive Data Access System (McIDAS) for
determination of winds by tracking clouds. Wade then shifted to using
McIDAS in the application and assessment of satellite imagery and sounding
data, from both polar satellites (initially such as TIROS-N (Television
InfRared Observation Satellite) and NOAA-6) and geostationary satellites
(such as the SMS (Synchronous Meteorological Satellite) and GOES
(Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite) series). In 1980,
GOES-4 carried the first geostationary sounder: VAS (VISSR (Visible and
Infrared Spin Scan Radiometer) Atmospheric Sounder).
Wade joined NESDIS in 1983 and, within the Advanced Satellite Projects
Branch (ASPB), is stationed at the Cooperative Institute for
Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS), housed within SSEC. Since then,
he has continued to evaluate and promote the application of satellite
data, especially sounding information, for weather forecasting use. In
1994, GOES-8 carried the first of the current series of three-axis-
stabilized filter wheel vertical sounders. Wade continues to advocate the
realistic use now of the current GOES sounding data, with anticipation of
the noticeably improved capabilities being planned for the interferometer
sounders on GOES-R and beyond in the next decade. McIDAS generated
displays emphasizing the temporal and horizontal strengths and limited
vertical resolution of the current GOES Sounders, especially with respect
to moisture, are routinely provided in realtime on the CIMSS
Realtime GOES Page. Further development of and training on satellite
sounding applications actually useful to weather forecasters are carried
on through interaction with local National Weather Service (NWS) offices,
meetings and workshops with the forecasting community, and participation
in the training efforts of the COMET (Cooperative program for Operational
Meteorology, Education, and Training) VISIT (Virtual Institute for
Satellite Integration Training) program.
Wade also strongly advocates consideration for the appropriate use of color,
throughout the scientific community, such that "color-blind" individuals are not
deprived of the information content supposedly being provided to all.
Most Recent Publications
Schmit, T. J., G. S. Wade, M. M. Gunshor, J. P. Nelson III, A. J. Schreiner, J.
Li, J. Daniels, and D. W. Hillger, 2006: The GOES-N Sounder data and products.
Preprints: 14th Conf. on Satellite Meteorology and Oceanography , 29 Jan - 02
Feb 2006, Atlanta (GA), Amer. Meteor. Soc., P6.2.
Daniels, J. M., G. E. Gray, T. J. Schmit, G. S. Wade, J. P. Nelson III, A. J.
Schreiner, and C. Holland, 2006. GOES Sounder single field of view
products. Preprints: 14th Conf. on Satellite Meteorology and
Oceanography, 29 Jan - 02 Feb 2006, Atlanta (GA), Amer. Meteor. Soc., P4.11.
E-mail to: Gary.S.Wade@noaa.gov
