www.cosmic.ucar.edu

Ocean Platform Workshop:
High Precision GNSS Observations from Ocean Platforms

Boulder, Colorado
October 27-28, 2008
NCAR/UCAR Center Green (CG1) Main Auditorium

Workshop Overview

Enabling Scientific Opportunities Using High Precision Global Positioning System Observations from Ocean Platforms

Overview: Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) are increasingly being used to address scientific problems related to the Earth and its atmosphere. Geophysicists and geodesists use GNSS observations to study plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, and glaciers. Atmospheric scientists can measure the refractive index of the atmosphere using GNSS observations and derive integrated water vapor observations (from ground based receivers) and density profiles (from space based receivers). A planning meeting is proposed to evaluate how high precision GNSS observations can be extended onto ocean platforms and what potential science questions these observations can address. These questions include, but are not limited to,  the following topics:

• Do the continuous and all-weather water vapor observations from ocean platforms improve numerical weather forecasts, including hurricane intensity forecasts?
• Can satellite observations be improved and calibrated using vertically integrated PW estimates from ocean systems?
• Do satellite ocean altimetry observations benefit from ground truth observations in open oceans?
• Can GPS signals that reflect off the ocean surface be used to measure wave heights and surface roughness?
• Does precise monitoring of buoy motion provide a method to detect tsunamis?
• Can GNSS observations from buoys, oil platforms, and ships can be used to supplement satellite observations, especially in sampling diurnal signals of  the ocean and atmosphere?

This two and a half day workshop will identify a number of key science questions, evaluate current observational capabilities, discuss logistical considerations, and measure the level of interest in pursuing a possible deployment of GNSS equipment on ocean platforms.

Travel Support There is a very limited amount of travel funding available for this workshop. Travel Funds are available for the broader university and research community. We are not able to provide funds to employees of the US government. You will be prompted during the registration process to input your request for travel funding. Deadline to apply for travel support is September 5. Those awarded travel funding will be notified on September 22.

There is no registration fee to attend this workshop.

To Register and Apply for Travel Funding – click here

Draft Agenda - click here

Local Logistical information

Lodging Rooms have been blocked for people attending the workshop at the Best Western Golden Buff Lodge and the Millennium Harvest House.

Please make your own reservation directly with the hotel by October 1. After that date, the hotel is not obligated to offer the group rate and will give it only based on availability. Please book under the name COSMIC.

Best Western Golden Buff Lodge
1725 28th Street
Boulder, CO 80301
Ph: 303-442-7450
Fx: 303-442-8788
Reservations Line: 1-800-999-2833
www.goldenbufflodge.com
$69+tax. Includes deluxe continental breakfast coupons.
Please ask for your coupons at check in.
In addition to phone reservations, you may reserve your room by sending an email to bwgoldenbuff@yahoo.com. Be sure to mention the group name COSMIC.

Millennium Harvest House Hotel
1345 28th St
Boulder, CO 80302
Tel: (303) 443-3850
Fax: 303-443-1480
www.millenniumhotels.com/millenniumboulder/
Toll-free Res: 1-866-866-8086 (North America)
Direct Res. No.: 303-444-0868
Direct Reservation Fax No.: Fax 303-443-5835

For toll free dialing from other countries see: www.millenniumhotels.com/corporate/contact_us/enquiriesReservation.htm

$98 + tax per night including full breakfast buffet.
Ask for breakfast coupons at check in.

Maps/Driving Directions
Click here for a map of UCAR’s campuses
Click here for a local map of Boulder that includes hotels

Meeting Shuttle Daily morning and afternoon shuttle service will be provided to the Millennium and Golden Buff hotels. In addition, the Millennium has an on demand shuttle that can take guests to/from the meeting or around Boulder.

Local Airport Denver International Airport (DIA) is a 60-minute shuttle ride to the Boulder. DIA is a hub for most major carriers and is also served by discount airlines Jet Blue, Frontier and Southwest. www.flydenver.com

Ground Transportation Boulder Supershuttle (303-444-0808 or www.yellowtrans.com for information). $25 one way, $46 round trip from DIA to Boulder. Boulder Supershuttle has a reservation desk at Denver International Airport found to your left as you exit the escalator from the inter-terminal train. Travel time between airport and hotel is about 60 minutes.

Meeting Location
NCAR/UCAR Center Green
Main Auditorium
3080 Center Green Drive
Boulder, CO 80301

Boulder Weather Late October can bring snow or 70 degree temperatures in Boulder so bring a jacket as well as a short sleeved shirt.

Local Information www.bouldercoloradousa.com

Local Workshop Contact: John Braun, Project Scientist, COSMIC, Ph: 303-497-8018, Fx: 303-497-2610, braunj@ucar.edu

Local Logistics Contact: Jill Reisdorf, Meeting Planner, UCAR-Joint Office for Science Support, Ph: 303-497-8636, Fx: 303-497-8633, reisdorf@ucar.edu

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