Satellite Meteorology and Climatology Division (SMCD)
Satellite Calibration and Data Assimilation Branch (SCDAB)
The Satellite Calibration and Data Assimilation Branch exists to ensure that NOAA's
satellite observations are as accurate and as stable as
they can be. The Branch oversees the calibration of all
instruments on NOAA's Earth-observing satellites, both
before and after their launch. Its teams develop many
of the observational products for users, and write algorithms
for obtaining vertical profiles of temperature, humidity,
cloud water, rainfall rate, and concentrations of trace
gases (such as ozone) from the ground up through the atmosphere.
 The Branch checks the accuracy of these products against
observations from the ground or from balloons. This is important,
as the products are used in applications for weather forecasting
and climate predictions. The Branch develops computer models of
the transfer of radiation through the atmosphere, which are needed
in order to feed satellite data into other sophisticated models of
weather and climate prediction.
Finally, this Branch participates in the design and preparation
of the next generation of environmental satellites and their instruments.
Branch Projects:
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