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NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP) Langley DAAC Data Set Document
Under a National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) peer-reviewed contract, STC-METSAT has produced a multi-year total and layered (1988-1999) global water vapor data set. The total column (integrated) water vapor data set comprises a combination of radiosonde observations, Television and Infrared Operational Satellite (TIROS) Operational Vertical Sounder (TOVS), and Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) data sets. The global layered water vapor data set is created by slicing the total water vapor data set using layered information that TOVS and radiosonde data provides. As a companion data set for analysis, STC-METSAT also prepared a global (over oceans only), integrated cloud liquid water data set (since the best global climate models now contain liquid water as an explicit variable). The complete data set has been named NVAP, an acronym for NASA Water Vapor Project. STC-METSAT developed methods to process the data at a daily time scale and 1 degree x 1 degree spatial resolution. More information can be found in a journal paper about NVAP (Randel et.al. 1996). This work has become an internationally accepted contribution to the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP).
NVAP-Next Generation (NVAP-NG) is the latest phase of the NVAP data set, extending it into years 2000 and 2001. With increased power in computers and satellite sensors, the NVAP-NG data products bring increased spatial and temporal resolution. for all specific information relating to the NVAP-NG data sets, please view the Science and Technology Technical Report 3333 (PDF).
Non-NG Data Sets:
NVAP-NG Data Sets:
|NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP) Precipitable Water Merged Monthly Grid
|NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP) Precipitable Water Merged Pentad Daily
|NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP) Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) Precipitable Water Daily Grid
|NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP) Radiosonde Precipitable Water Daily Grid
|NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP) TIROS Operational Vertical Sounder (TOVS) Precipitable Water Daily Grid
|NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP) Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) Monthly Grid
|NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP) Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) Liquid Water Path Daily Grid
|NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP) Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) Cloud Liquid Water Daily Grid
|NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP) Cloud Liquid Water 12 Hour Grid
|NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP) Cloud Liquid Water Daily Grid
|NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP) Cloud Liquid Water Monthly Grid
|NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP) Cloud Liquid Water Annual Grid
|NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP) Liquid Water Path 12 Hour Grid
|NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP) Liquid Water Path Daily Grid
|NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP) Liquid Water Path Monthly Grid
|NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP) Liquid Water Path Annual Grid
|NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP) Precipitable Water Column 12 Hour Grid
|NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP) Precipitable Water Column Daily Grid
|NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP) Precipitable Water Column Monthly Grid
|NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP) Precipitable Water Column Annual Grid
|NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP) Precipitable Water Column Statistics Grid
There is a well-documented requirement for a comprehensive and accurate global moisture data set to assist many important scientific studies in atmospheric science. Currently, atmospheric water vapor measurements are made from a variety of sources including radiosondes, aircraft and surface observations, and in recent years, by various satellite instruments. Creating a global data set from a single measuring system produces results which are useful and accurate only in specific situations and/or areas. Therefore, an accurate global moisture data set has been derived from a combination of these measurement systems.
To assist scientific studies in atmospheric science, primarily those dealing with the atmospheric hydrologic cycle, and to provide a comprehensive and accurate global water vapor dataset to help understand water vapor's role in the Earth's climate system.
|Precipitable Water
|Precipitable Water
|Precipitable Water
|Precipitable Water
|Precipitable Water
|Cloud Liquid Water, Liquid Water Path, Precipitable Water
|Liquid Water Path
|Cloud Liquid Water
|Cloud Liquid Water
|Cloud Liquid Water
|Cloud Liquid Water
|Cloud Liquid Water
|Liquid Water Path
|Liquid Water Path
|Liquid Water Path
|Liquid Water Path
|Precipitable Water
|Precipitable Water
|Precipitable Water
|Precipitable Water
|Precipitable Water
An extensive global dataset of water vapor (WV) has been produced from combining three independent data sources. The dataset includes total column integrated values, and values for three atmospheric layers for 1988 - 1999, and five atmospheric layers for 2000-2001. Each of the individual input datasets has significant limitations: microwave retrievals are presently feasible only over oceans; infrared satellite techniques only work in the absence of significant cloud cover; and radiosonde measurements are made primarily over land and are widely spaced, not showing small-scale WV variations. A comprehensive global dataset should draw upon the strengths of each of these methods and use the advantages of each for all meteorological and geographical scenarios. The NASA Water Vapor Project (NVAP) result is a combined column WV product far better than any single input dataset. In addition, a single method has been derived using the layered WV from radiosondes and TOVS retrievals to slice the total column WV and create the three-layer global WV dataset.
There are three primary NVAP products: total column WV, Liquid Water Path (LWP) derived from the SSM/I and available only over the oceans, and layered WV. In addition, supplemental products such as SSM/I WV, radiosonde WV, TOVS WV, cloud liquid water, and Data Source Code (DSC) for total column and layered WV are provided. These products are available in four possible temporal averaging periods for 1988-1999: day, month, pentad, and annual, and five temporal averaging periods for 2000-2001: 12 hour, daily, monthly, annual.
SSM/I - LWP: Liquid Water Path
SSM/I - CLW: Cloud Liquid Water
SSM/I - PWC: Precipitable Water Content
NVAP-NG: Thomas H. Vonder Haar, Prof.
NASA Water Vapor Project Data Set (NVAP)
NASA Water Vapor Project - Next Generation Data Set (NVAP-NG)
NVAP is a weighted blending of precipitable water (or Water Vapor) from satellite retrievals (TOVS and SSM/I) and in situ observations from the global radiosonde network. NVAP-NG combines a changing cast of over 10 polar-orbiting instruments to create a global water vapor data set.
For NVAP-NG related source/platform information, please see the Science and Technology Technical Report 3333 (PDF).
Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP): The DMSP mission is to provide global visible and infrared cloud data and other specialized meteorological, oceanographic and solar-geophysical data in support of world wide Department of Defense (DoD) operations.
NOAA-10, NOAA-11, NOAA-12, NOAA-14: The mission objective of the NOAA satellites is to provide data for near-real-time weather forecasting.
GROUND STATION: The main objectives are to provide radiosonde data for synoptic charts, forecasting models and to create a useful climatological data set.
|Precipitable Water
|Precipitable Water
|Precipitable Water
|Precipitable Water
|Precipitable Water
|Cloud Liquid Water, Liquid Water Path, Precipitable Water
|Liquid Water Path
|Cloud Liquid Water
Radiosondes carry temperature, pressure and relative humidity sensors and report up to six variables: pressure, geopotential height, temperature, dewpoint depression, wind direction and wind speed. While there are many effective instrument designs in use, in the United States, a typical radiosonde configuration consists of a baroswitch that implements a temperature-compensated aneroid capsule to move a lever arm across a commutator plate, a lead-carbonate coated rod thermistor about 0.7 mm in diameter and 1-2 cm long, and a carbon humidity element that swells with a rise in humidity, made of a glass or plastic substrate thinly coated with a fibrous material. A radio transmitter and ground-based radar, navigation aid, or other tracking system complete the rawinsonde instrumentation. Measurements are used in weather forecasting, and are of increasing interest to those studying climate change.
The SSM/I is flown aboard Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) satellites DMSP-F8, DMSP-F10, DMSP-F11, DMSP-F12, DMSP-F13, and DMSP-F14.
The SSM/I is a seven-channel, four-frequency, linearly-polarized, passive microwave radiometric system which measures atmospheric, ocean and terrain microwave brightness temperatures at 19.35, 22.235, 37.0, and 85.5 GHz.
The SSM/I rotates continuously about an axis parallel to the local spacecraft vertical and measures the upwelling scene brightness temperatures. The absolute brightness temperature of the scene incident upon the antenna is received and spatially filtered by the antenna to produce an effective input signal or antenna temperature at the input of the feedhorn antenna. The passive microwave radiometer output voltages are transmitted to both the Air Force Global Weather Central (AFGWC), Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska and the Fleet Numerical Meteorology and Oceanography Center (FNMOC), Monterey California.
At both locations, the radiometer output voltages are converted to sensor counts. The AFGWC sensor counts are relayed to the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), reformatted into the NESDIS Level 1b format and used by NESDIS in generating temperature sounding data sets from another instrument. FNMOC converts their sensor counts into antenna temperatures (TDR), brightness temperatures (SDR), and derived geophysical parameters (EDR). The TDRs, SDRs, and EDRs are sent to NESDIS for archival. The FNMOC antenna temperatures are used as the basis for the SSM/I antenna temperature and geophysical parameter data sets produced by Remote Sensing Systems (Wentz data set) (Wentz, 1991).
The TOVS system consists of three instruments: the High Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS/2I), the Stratospheric Sounding Unit (SSU), and the Microwave Sounding Unit (MSU). All three instruments measure radiant energy from various altitudes of the atmosphere, and the data are used to determine the atmosphere's temperature from the Earth's surface to the upper stratosphere.
HIRS/2I: This instrument detects and measures energy emitted by the atmosphere to construct a vertical temperature profile from the Earth's surface to an altitude of about 40 km. Measurements are made in 20 spectral regions in the infrared band. Note that one frequency lies at the high frequency end of the visible range.
SSU: Temperature measurements from the upper stratosphere are derived from radiance measurements made in three channels using a pressure modulated gas (CO2) to accomplish selective bandpass filtrations of the sampled radiances. The gas is of a pressure chosen to yield weighting functions peaking in the altitude range of 25 to 50 km where atmospheric pressure is from 15.1 to 1.5 mbar respectively. This gas is contained in three cells, one of which is located in the optical path of each channel.
MSU: This unit detects and measures the energy from the troposphere to construct a vertical temperature profile to an altitude of about 20 km. Measurements are made by radiometric detection of microwave energy divided into four frequency channels. Each measurement is made by comparing the incoming signal from the troposphere with the ambient temperature reference load. Because its data are not seriously affected by clouds, the unit is used along with the HIRS/2I to remove measurement ambiguity when clouds are present.
Data was provided to the DAAC via 8mm exabyte tapes from STC-METSAT.
Radiosonde data is normally gathered twice daily. Both SSM/I and TOVS are on polar orbiting satellites, thereby providing two local daily passes over every point on the globe.
All NVAP products are on a global grid.
All global areas.
NVAP: 1 x 1 degree global grid.
NVAP-NG: 0.5 x 0.5 degree global grid.
Cylindrical Equidistant.
Data is centered on 180 degrees with the first data point at the North Pole.
NVAP: January 1988 - December 1999.
NVAP-NG: January 2000 - December 2001.
All days during the period.
NVAP: Daily, pentad, monthly, and annual averages.
NVAP-NG: 12 hour, daily, monthly, and annual averages.
For NVAP-NG related data characteristics, please see the Science and Technology Technical Report 3333 (PDF).
An excellent data set to begin creation of a water vapor product is radiosonde data. It is a data set with a long history and is considered "truth" in the science community. Radiosonde data sets were examined from various sources which required significant processing time and quality control. After NVAP was started, a radiosonde data set was made available by Mr. W.P. Elliot (Air Resources Laboratory [ARL]/National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA]). Due to the high quality of this set, it was obtained and used for the entire 12 years of NVAP product.
STC-METSAT received the radiosonde ASCII text files from ARL/NOAA via ftp. These files included all the station information at 5 layers. The processing of the radiosonde data involved taking the 5 layers of precipitable water content (PWC) and producing three layers (surface-700 mb, 700-500 mb, 500-300 mb) and the total column PWC. These data were then put into 1 degree x 1 degree size boxes in a gridded format.
The following is a brief overview of Mr. Elliot's data processing and quality control:
The original source of these data was the Global Telecommunications System. This system provides radiosonde data for synoptic charts and forecasting models. NCAR decoded and supplied the data to Mr. Elliot's group. From some 1800 stations that have reported since 1973, approximately 900 have been processed. Since the main objective of this processing was to create a useful climatological data set, the stations chosen required a long history of records.
For each station 00Z and 12Z soundings were used. Temperature, dewpoint depression, surface pressure, and geopotential heights were extracted for the mandatory levels (surface, 850, 700, 500, 400, and 300 mb). The soundings were terminated at the 300 mb level since humidity measurements are not reliable past this point. Significant levels (including 1000 and 925 mb) were also saved with temperature and dewpoint depression. From this information, dewpoint, relative humidity, and specific humidity were calculated at each level, with precipitable water, temperature, and dewpoint lapse rate between each layer.
The main advantage of using this data set is the extensive quality control performed on it. These were an outgrowth of the many errors discovered in individual soundings when using radiosonde data in climate studies (Elliot and Gaffen,1991).
Each sounding is checked for the number of levels with valid data. Any observations from stations above 700 mb were not included. An individual sounding is kept if the pressure, temperature, and dewpoint at the surface, 850 mb, and 700 mb levels are present and within acceptable limits. Each parameter has a unique set of limits as described below.
Maximum surface pressure is 1060 mb at sea level. Above sea level, the maximum is adjusted using density as a function of station elevation and the hydrostatic equation.
Minimum surface pressure equals surface maximum minus 110 mb
For mandatory levels, a climatological monthly station mean is computed with 1973-1991 data. Any temperature outside plus or minus 4 standard deviations from this mean fails the check.
For significant levels, temperature was checked against the limits for the surrounding mandatory levels.
If a temperature failed a check at a mandatory level 700 mb or below, the entire sounding was discarded. Above 700 mb, the sounding was kept, but data above the last valid level was discarded. This allows level data containing the bulk of water to be retained.
Failure at a significant level resulted in that particular level being ignored, but the sounding was retained.
Only two adjustments were made to soundings under certain circumstances, both of which were to humidity measurements made under U.S. procedures. When a temperature is below -40 C, the customary U.S. procedure is to discontinue humidity readings (Elliot and Gaffen, 1991). However, Canada reports humidity down to -65C. Taking the median measure from the Canadian data, relative humidity is adjusted to 50at mandatory levels 500, 400, and 300 mb if temperature is less than -40 and dewpoint is missing.
Another U.S. procedure reports relative humidity less than 20as 19 and dewpoint depression as 30. If 30 was used as the dewpoint depression, the relative humidity would generally be too low. This can lead to a "dry bias". However, using 19 (or treating the data as missing) can lead to a "moist bias". Instead, a mean Canadian value of 16 was used in this situation.
Radiosonde is a tested and much used data set but has some noteable problems some of which include geographically sparse stations and soundings which are generally limited to land. There is also an inconsistency in sensors used throughout the world. These topics are discussed in the Quality Assessment section.
Another source used to create the merged PWC is the SSM/I instrument aboard the F8, F10, F11, F13, and F14 Defense Meteorological Satellite Project (DMSP) satellites. The DMSP F8 satellite (launched June 19, 1987) provided data through 1991. The DMSP F11 satellite (launched November 28, 1991) provided data through 1996. The DMSP F10 satellite was launched December 1, 1990 but had problems with its orbit which now precesses in a non-synchronous orbit. We were able to calibrate the F10 data for use beginning January, 1993. The DMSP F13 satellite (launched March 24, 1995) began providing data in May 1995. DMSP-F14 was launched on April 4, 1997. The Wentz routines (Wentz, 1991) were used to read and process the raw SSM/I antenna temperatures and produce brightness temperatures at various channels along with the angle of incidence and F8 geolocation error corrections. Also provided was a file containing a list of time periods containing erroneous F8 data. This file helped the quality control of the SSM/I data through the years 1988-1990 but seemed to be incomplete for 1991 and 1992 which contained bad orbital swaths.
STC-METSAT used a retrieval scheme based on the physical method employed by Tjemkes et al. (1991). Greenwald et al. (1993) extended and improved this physical method to include the retrieval of cloud liquid water. In order to determine the total column water vapor by using the retrieval model of Greenwald et al. (1993), several input parameters are required.
The first parameter is sea surface temperature (SST) (Reynolds, 1988). NVAP used SST's produced by the National Meteorological Center (NMC) on a 2 degree x 2 degree global grid. We set up a bilinear interpolation routine to use the SST data as a 1 degree x 1 degree grid. Starting with 1993, the SST data came to us at higher resolution, both temporally and spatially. The new 1 x 1 degree spatial resolution meant we did not have to use the bilinear interpolation on the data. And the SST data are now weekly values versus the monthly data we had before.
Other important parameters are the vertical and horizontal components of the SSM/I 19.35 GHz, 22 GHz and 37 GHz brightness temperatures. These were used in an approximate radiative transfer model. In addition, the near surface wind speed is needed in an empirical sea surface emissivity model (Petty, 1990). To calculate the surface wind speed, the vertical component of the 22 GHz brightness temperature is used in the Goodberlet et al. (1989) surface wind speed algorithm. For SST greater than 300 K, (Bates 1991) surface wind speed algorithm is used due to problems which the Goodberlet algorithm has in regions with large water vapor amounts. Starting with the 1993 data, we updated the retrieval algorithm to include iterations using the 22 GHz temperatures along with the 37 and 19.35 GHz channels to find the PWC values, instead of using the 22 GHz channel to only calculate the surface winds. We've also added the ISCCP cloud top temperatures for mid-level clouds instead of approximated cloud top values. We improved the wind calculations, iterative schemes and added the ability to input more than one satellite's data since we now have up to three satellites providing data. Overall, the new PWC (1993-1995) values produce a global average PWC about 0.5 mm less than before. This is due to the better performance in the polar regions, leaving more good data in those low value areas. And it seems to be providing more detailed lower PWC values in the mid-latitudes.
For the retrieval routine to produce consistent, stable data throughout all 12 years of processing, the F8 and F11 satellite data were specially calibrated during the month they overlapped (December 1991). Coincident passes were compared and retrieval parameters adjusted accordingly. The F10 was calibrated with F11 to use it beginning 1993. And the F13 was calibrated to the F10 and F11 when we began receiving data for it in May 1995. The F13 and F14 were intercalibrated
The retrieval routine returns pixel values for PWC, liquid water, and wind speeds from the satellites' scanlines. The pixels are combined and averaged into 1 x 1 degree boxes, which produce the SSM/I output grid maps.
Mainly, there are two problems with SSM/I data. One of which is with the brightness temperatures being contaminated by land and the other is contamination due to sea ice. SSM/I is currently used only over oceans. In order to do this a land mask is used to avoid calculating retrievals over land. However, some regions of small islands and rock outcroppings are not included in the mask. These cause occasionally high values in specific island areas. The final quality control included searching for these problem areas.
The second problem occurs when the sensor encounters sea ice. It will produce values higher than the actual temperature. This can occur around polar coastal regions but does migrate north and south in accordance with the seasons. Employing a sea ice detection routine allowed for the removal of these bad points. Sea ice areas were also explicitly looked for in quality control. We changed the sea ice detection routine starting with the 1993 data. Before, we detected sea ice at the pixel level using a simple version of the AES/YORK algorithm developed for the SSM/I calibration/validation effort (Hollinger et al. 1991). We changed the sea ice detection routine to use a method by Cavalieri et al. (1991). It means ice concentration in a specified area is +15, roughly corresponding to sea ice edge. We also included a method by Grody (1991) to locate permanent ice. These methods improved our sea ice detection, especially around coastlines.
We also added an oceanic precipitation contamination test. We use the Grody (1991) algorithm already in place within the sea ice detection routine. The algorithm, an 85.5 GHz scattering index, returns a surface type classification including oceanic precipitation.SSM/I Intersatellite Calibration
New knowledge about the SSM/I instrument calibration became available during the production of the new NVAP-Next Generations products (NVAP after 1999). The findings of Colton and Poe (1999) have been applied to the SSM/I data to produce a TCWV product which has reduced effects of satellite changes. In essence, by working back in time the SSM/I retrievals were normalized to each other so they could be brought forth in time in a seamless manner.
From examining the effects of the intercalibration on a small subset of data over 1995-1999, the estimated effects of the intercalibration procedure are as follow:
|1/95 - 4/97
|add 0.39 mm
|F11 and F13 Satellites
|5/97 - 4/99
|add 0.26 mm
|F11, F13, and F14 Satellites
|5/99 - 12/99
|add 0.51 mm
|F13 and F14 Satellites
These corrections cannot be applied to the current NVAP PWC. The corrections were made at the brightness temperature level and are not an offset, and neither are they linear with TCWV amount. The values can be added to the global daily average ocean grid point values. The correction seems like a small amount but is relevant to climate variability studies since it could obscure anomalies from Earth's natural variability such as El Nino episodes.
The entire 1988-1999 NVAP dataset was processed with a consistent SSM/I antenna pattern. New results on the antenna pattern correction and its impact on the TB's were presented in Colton and Poe (1999). This correction has not been applied to any of the 1988-1999 NVAP data at the NASA Langley Atmospheric Science Data Center. Its main effect is on the time-series of the value of the water vapor anomaly. Figure 1 shows the estimated impact of this correction after 1995 on the global anomaly. This correction can be considered a fine adjustment to normalize the several different SSM/I instruments used in NVAP. Future proposed work may involve reanalysis of NVAP to look at the effect of the SSM/I antenna pattern correction.
Figure 1: Comparison of before and after SSMI recalibration of total column water vapor anomalies - global means.
Operational satellite-based PWC retrievals have been made since 1978 by NOAA/National Environmental Satellite Data and Information Service (NESDIS) (Werbowtzki 1981), using raw data collected from the NOAA series of operational polar-orbiting satellites. The NOAA satellites have a near-polar sun-synchronous orbit with a 102-minute period. Carried aboard these platforms is the TOVS instrument package for retrieval of atmospheric temperature, ozone, and water content. The TOVS system is made up of the second-generation High Resolution Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRS/2), the Microwave Sounding Unit (MSU), and the Stratospheric Sounding Unit (SSU). All three instruments are used for retrieval of vertical temperature and moisture profiles. Both the HIRS/2 and the MSU instruments are cross-track scanners, capable of sensing a swath 2250 km wide. The HIRS/2 spectrometer has 19 infrared channels and one visible channel, and are operated simultaneously during each scan (see Wu et al, 1993 for a discussion of related brightness temperature standard errors). Radiance data from HIRS/2 and MSU channels used primarily for temperature sounding are utilized by the operational NESDIS retrieval scheme for determining water vapor content in three layers. A statistical eigenvector regression method was used before 16 September 1988, and was succeeded thereafter by a physical scheme (Reale et al. 1989) where temperatures and moisture profiles are generated in a single-solution vector. Three channels in water vapor absorption bands are located at 6.7, 7.3, and 8.3 micrometers with weighting functions peaking at 400, 600, and 900 mb, respectively.
STC-METSAT used the operational TOVS sounding produced by NESDIS. This quality controlled radiance data is available on 8-mm tapes from other members of the water vapor science community (e.g. John Bates at NOAA/Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Science [CIRES]). These data were not gridded but included total and 3-layered PWC for approximately 25,000 retrievals per day with geographical spacing of approximately 2 degrees. Processing consisted of gridding this data into 1 degree x 1 degree boxes. The quality control needed was minimal and was done during the merge process when all three data sets were compared. The few points found to be bad were usually in desert or coastline areas. Beginning with 1994, the TOVS data set we were receiving doubled in size. The computer hardware and software available to the collection site was upgraded, allowing them to retrieve much more of the data from the satellite. The coverage is now much more complete, improving the NVAP product, especially over land.
There are two problems inherent in all infrared moisture retrievals that tend to limit the dynamic range of the TOVS data. First, the inability to perform retrievals in areas of thick clouds can cause a "dry bias" (Wu et al. 1993). Second, limitations in infrared radiative transfer theory can cause significant overestimation of water vapor in regions of large-scale subsidence (Stephens et al. 1994). For these reasons, SSM/I data are given a higher total column water vapor confidence level than TOVS data.
The three input data sets described in the previous section each have their own limitations. Radiosonde data is typically over land and even then, is still too sparse to examine small scale atmospheric moisture fluctuations. TOVS satellite data cannot be used in cloudy regions. SSM/I data currently is contaminated by land and sea ice. Therefore, STC-METSAT has combined the three sets together to form a merged product.
To create the water vapor product (PWC) the input data sets are individually gridded into three 1 x 1 degree global grid maps. The SSM/I grid map is then checked for missing data over the oceans. SSM/I regions are then segmented in to specified sizes which are spatially interpolated. SSM/I is considered more accurate in measuring water vapor than the TOVS instrument, hence the need for a weighting scheme when the three input sets are merged together. To begin, each radiosonde point is placed on the grid map. Next, the SSM/I grid and TOVS grid are combined together using a weighting of 10 TOVS and 90 SSM/I for coincident points. These are recorded in a data source code (DSC) map which describes the origin of each point in the merged product using a number scheme (8 to 0 with 8 being the highest confidence level and 0 being the lowest confidence level). With decreasing confidence after the radiosonde points (confidence level 8) are the TOVS/SSM/I combination points (confidence level 7), SSM/I only points (confidence level 6), SSM/I interpolated points combined with TOVS (confidence level 5), SSM/I interpolated points (confidence level 4) and TOVS only points (confidence level 3).
The total merged PWC product is not finished until it is checked for missing data. Missing regions smaller than a specified size are spatially interpolated. This data is given a confidence level of 2. The remaining areas missing data are filled in using a temporal 3-day running average. This data is given the lowest confidence (confidence level 1) except for any possible missing data (confidence level 0).
An important part of the NVAP data set was the layered PWC. The vertical definition of water vapor is important to the moisture transfer process. These types of data sets have never been readily available before as a global product.
Two of the three input data sets contain layered information. This information is used to create the layered PWC. The TOVS data were received in three layers: surface to 700 mb, 700-500 mb, and 500-300 mb. The data were then gridded into a 1 degree x 1 degree grid box for each of the three layers. The radiosonde data came with more than three layers of information. These layers were added to the radiosonde to create three matching layers for the TOVS data.
At this time some basic assumptions on the global PWC distribution were made in order to progress with the layered processing. Layered information from both TOVS and radiosondes were used to `slice' the total merged PWC product. The reasoning is while the TOVS total PWC may not be as accurate as SSM/I, the fraction of total column PWC in each layer is relatively accurate. While the total PWC may change rapidly in space and time, the fraction of the total PWC in each layer changes much more slowly. The variability in the percent-of-the-total (POT) is a strong function of latitude and season and does not vary spatially as quickly as the PWC. These two assumptions led to the creation of three global grids (for each day) of the POT PWC (one for each of the three layers using a combination of radiosonde and TOVS retrievals).
These POT grids are then spatially interpolated to cover small missing areas. A temporal 5-day running average is used to fill in larger gaps. A 5-day average can be used (versus a 3-day average in the total merged PWC) because slower time variability of the POT of the PWC.
A DSC map is provided for each of the daily layered POT grids (5 to 0, with 5 being the highest confidence and 0 being the lowest confidence). In order of highest to lowest confidence: radiosonde only is the highest (confidence level 5); coincident TOVS/Radiosonde points are combined together using a weighted 10 TOVS and 90 Radiosonde (confidence level 4); TOVS only points (confidence level 3); spatially interpolated (confidence level 2); and temporally filled data has the confidence level 1. Remaining missing data is given the lowest confidence level (confidence level 0). There are increasing areas of missing data with the upper layers, especially in the polar regions due to lack of moisture.
To create the final layered PWC, the total merged PWC grids produced earlier are multiplied by the POT grids. This gives our layered product the advantage of having SSM/I information in it along with TOVS and radiosonde data.
Results of the layered PWC product shows that in oceanic areas, roughly 75-850f the total PWC is in the lowest layer. For elevated terrain, roughly 500f the PWC is in this layer. In some locations, the surface may even be above 700 mb, such as over the Tibetan highlands, in which case the POT for this layer is zero.
Included as a companion data set for analysis (since many GCMs are now beginning to include liquid water as an explicit variable), STC-METSAT also processed the oceanic cloud liquid water path (LWP) on a daily 1 degree x 1 degree grid from the SSM/I processing. The LWP product is the liquid water in any region, cloud or no cloud, and is based upon the physically based method of Greenwald et al. (1993), but at this time covers ocean areas only. Also produced were the daily grids of cloud liquid water content (CLW) which is the liquid water in cloudy-only regions using a threshold of liquid water along with PWC and wind speed requirements.
SSM/I, TOVS, and RADIOSONDE
0 - 80 mm
ASCII Header (144 bytes) For NVAP Data (included for each grid)
|Format code (CCDA = Colorado Climate Data Archive)
|data source code
|parameter number or code
|data type (1=real*4, 2=int*4, 3=int*2, 4=byte)
non-VMS (5=real*4,6=int*4, 7=int*2)
|start year
|start Julian day
|start hour
|end year
|end Julian day
|end hour
|xsize number horizontal data points
|ysize number vertical data points
|dx horizontal degree spacing (+ for W to E)
|dy vertical degree spacing (- for N to S)
|latitude of first data location ( + for NH )
|longitude of western most data location
|offset for data (add to data after applying scale)
|scale factor for data (multiply data by this)
|indefinite value
|character label
A general description of data granularity as it applies to the IMS appears in the EOSDIS Glossary.
The NVAP data set is made up of packed integer*2 (16 bit) records after an ASCII header of 144 bytes (8 bits). Each file can hold many global, 1 degree x 1 degree grids (360 x 180). Coordinate (1,1) is at the North Pole and 0 degrees longitude.
There are three main products: PWC, LWP, and layered PWC. In addition, supplemental products such as SSM/I PWC, radiosonde PWC, TOVS PWC, cloud liquid water (CLW) monthly averages for 1988-1999 and CLW daily averages for 1993-1999, and DSC for PWC and the layered PWC are included. These products are available in four possible file types, depending on the time period covered (i.e., daily, monthly, pentad, and annual).
A daily grid is a grid of a given product for a given day. A full month's worth of daily grids will be contained in one file (e.g., 28 grids for February 1989).
A pentad is a five day average of a given product. A year of these averages is contained in one pentad file.
A monthly grid is an average of the daily grids for a given month. Twelve monthly averages for a given year will be in one file.
An annual grid is the yearly average of the daily grids for a given product.
The NVAP_PW_MERGD_MNTHLY data set contains four types of files: total precipitable water and layered precipitable water, each are the total merged product in monthly and yearly grids.
The NVAP_PW_MERGD_PDAILY data set also contains four types of files: total precipitable water and layered precipitable water, each are the total merged product in daily and pentad files.
The NVAP_SSMI_PW_DAILY data set contains SSM/I ONLY total precipitable water (PWC) daily grids.
The NVAP_SONDE_PW_DAILY data set contains radiosonde ONLY total precipitable water (PWC) daily grids.
The NVAP_TOVS_PW_DAILY data set contains TOVS ONLY total precipitable water (PWC) daily grids.
The NVAP_SSMI_MNTHLY data set contains three types of files for each month from the SSM/I data only: cloud liquid water (CLW), liquid water path (LWP) and perciptable water content (**PWC), each in monthly grids. CLW and LWP contain data spanning the full twelve years of the NVAP project. **PWC is a new parameter that has been added to the data set with data spanning January 1993 to December 1999.
The NVAP_SSMI_LWP_DAILY data set contains liquid water path(LWP) files on a daily basis. This data set spans January 1988 to December 1999.
The NVAP_SSMI_CLW_DAILY data set contains cloud liquid water (CLW) files on a daily basis. This data set spans January 1993 to December 1999.
Additional information:
The layered product divides the PWC into three layers. These layers are:
|L1 = surface to 700 mb
|L2 = 700 mb to 500 mb
|L3 = 500 mb to 300 m.
DSC files for the total PWC grids are identical in size to the corresponding data grid. It shows how each grid point is derived. Data in this file are integers from 0-8, having the following definitions:
|0 = Missing data
|1 = Time interpolated-filled
|2 = Space interpolated-filled
|3 = TOVS only
|4 = SSM/I interpolated
|5 = SSM/I interpolated / TOVS combination
|6 = SSM/I only
|7 = TOVS and SSM/I combination
|8 = Radiosonde data only
The data is ordered by increasing confidence.
The data source code files for the layered PWC grids are also identical in size to the corresponding data grid. Data in these files are integers from 0-5, having the following definitions:
|0 = Missing data
|1 = Time interpolated-filled
|2 = Space interpolated-filled
|3 = TOVS only
|4 = TOVS and Radiosonde combination
|5 = Radiosonde data only
In addition, there are FORTRAN routines provided to read the data within the user's own program. These have been tested on HP-UX, VAX_VMS, SGI, PCs running NT, and IBM systems. These routines include a simple test global average routine which calls the read subroutine. This only averages all valid points with no geographical area weighting. Also included is a simple printout routine which creates an ASCII listing file. The VMS switch was tested on a VAX 4000/90 running open VMS 6.0. The HP switch was tested on a HP 9000/735 running HP-UX 9.05. The SGI switch was tested on a SGI running IRIX 5.2.
HEADER.TXT file (see Sample Data Record section) which describes the ASCII header on the NVAP files. These values are filled into the common block used to pass the header and grid point data.
For NVAP-NG related data manipulations, please see the Science and Technology Technical Report 3333 (PDF).
As described in Data Organization, a weighted blending of the three data-sets with confidence from greatest to least: Radiosonde, SSM/I, then TOVS.
Create global 1x1 grids of PWC for each input product, then apply weighted blending scheme.
PWC grids created and manually, visually quality controlled. Bad data points from one or more of the 3 input data-sets. Blended PWC created again and checked.
No data were ever corrected. When bad points were found they were removed.
Percent of Total PWC in Each Layer
PWC from TOVS, Radiosonde, SSM/I
Layered PWC (Surface-700mb, 700mb - 500mb, 500mb - 300mb)
Total PWC
Not applicable.
For more information on errors related to NVAP-NG data sets, please see the Science and Technology Technical Report 3333 (PDF).
Errors come from many sources. These include error in the retrieval schemes from TOVS and SSM/I and general instrument errors from radiosondes.
In order to produce a quality product, quality control is essential. An important aspect with this data set was the human interaction. Every daily image has been viewed by various meteorologists which helps to insure a high level of quality in our product.
With each input data set, there are certain conditions for which the water vapor calculation may be inaccurate. Knowledge of these conditions enabled the NVAP Quality Control Team to focus on possible problem areas and to recognize possible false values. Other factors such as climate, terrain, and time consistency were also taken into account.
Two main problems with SSM/I measurements are land and sea ice contamination with sea ice being the most common. Either will cause false high values, making detection fairly easy in most cases. While a seasonal brightness temperature threshold is used to take out the more consistent sea ice contaminated areas, some still remain. Most high latitude seas next to land areas tend to have this problem, including waters adjacent to Antarctica, Greenland, Siberia, and Japan. Often such contamination will appear as a string of high values along shorelines.
Land contamination is minor problem compared to sea ice since land does not move as much and is easier to mask. However, areas containing many small islands or rock outcroppings can occasionally contaminate the signal. One such area is around the South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands, southeast of Argentina. Usually, land contamination will appear as a single, high value.
Another occasional problem for SSM/I are bad orbital swaths. In the first three years of this project (1988-1990), these were well documented and taken out during processing. However, in 1991 and 1992, the documentation appeared to be incomplete. Thus a number of undocumented bad swaths slipped through normal processing. These are usually easy to recognize upon visual inspection, due to their banana shapes and markedly different PWC values from surrounding areas.
Use of the Elliot's radiosonde data set greatly reduced the amount of manual quality control required. Most of the unusual or outrageous values had been eliminated. However, there were still a few trouble spots. These would appear as stations that were consistently higher than surrounding radiosonde and satellite measurements. One example is an island station off the coast of Chile. This station tends to be a single, higher value compared with nearby TOVS, SSM/I, and other radiosonde. It was often removed. Other stations checked for this problem included a few Indian and Asian stations.
One possible reason for such a bias is the inherent limitations of various radiosonde instrumentation. There are about a dozen different suppliers of radiosondes world-wide, with wide differences between humidity sensors. The Finnish Vaisala, with a thin film capacitive humidity sensor and the U.S. VIZ, with a carbon hydristor, are considered to have good response times. These instruments are used in the U.S. and European countries and their associates. However, some models have a much slower response time in humidity measurements, especially at upper levels. This lag can cause a moist bias in the readings. India uses a lithium chloride element in their humidity sensors which is known to have a much slower response time than the U.S. or Finnish devices. Another humidity device called "a goldbeater's skin hydrometer" is also known to have a slower response time and it is used by many Asian stations. The slower response of these instruments provides a reasonable explanation for most of the higher values and were removed in these areas.
The TOVS data used as input was previously quality controlled. Thus, manual quality control on the individual data set was minimal. However, a few TOVS points needed to be removed after comparisons with surrounding radiosonde and SSM/I data. Of the few points removed, the majority tended to be in dry or desert regions. These areas included central Australia, Namibia, Western Sahara, the coast of Peru, Kazkh (old USSR), and the Middle East. Such areas are documented to have a "moist bias". Overall, TOVS has a "dry bias" due to the lack of using TOVS in cloudy regions (Wu et al., 1993). This is caused by the infrared sensor not measuring the entire column's moisture in cloudy regions.
The procedure for manual quality control involved several steps. For all SSM/I data sets, each individual daily grid was visually inspected. Known problem areas as mentioned above were specifically checked. Any other value that did not seem to belong, either visually, climatologically, or in a time series (day before/day after), was checked in the data grid. If a value was suspiciously higher than the surrounding values (for example, a value of 12 mm in a field of 2 mm points), it was removed from the set. Any values that were questionable were marked for later comparison within the total merge product.
After the three input sets were merged together, each daily merged product was visually inspected under the same guidelines as before. Suspect values were noted, then traced to one of the three original data set. Comparisons between the suspicious value and the surrounding values in all three input sets were made. If that value was well above any of the surrounding values in all three sets, the value was removed from the original data set. If the value was close to any of the surrounding values, or if the feature was in at least two of the data sets, it was left in. Once complete, the modified input files were remerged into the final product.
The individual daily product for each of the three merged layers were visually inspected. Since most of the bad individual points were removed in the previous steps, the main thrust of this inspection was to look for anything out of the ordinary. Very few problems were found. These few were usually found in interpolated areas that contained missing data over an extended period of time.
Additional tests were added to the gridding code to assist the manual quality control beginning with the 1993 data. One was a statistical test which checks the standard deviation of the pixel values within a grid box and throws out the extreme pixel values making for a better averaged grid box value. A second test we added is a spatial test for a grid box when it contains less than 10 pixel values. A normal grid box will contain from 50-150 pixel values which are averaged to get the grid box value. When that grid box has very few pixel values, it has a greater chance of not being consistent with the adjacent grid boxes.
Each global field was automatically and manually quality controlled at least twice during the blending process to remove out-of-range values.
A DSC global grid is supplied with each daily field for both the total and layered PWC products. As described in the Variable Description/Definition section, the DSC is ordered by confidence (or assumed error). Generally the radiosonde observations have the least error or greatest confidence, then SSM/I then TOVS.
Roughly 200.000000 for TOVS
100.000000 for SSM/I
less than 100.000000 for Radiosonde
This information is not available.
The Langley DAAC performs an inspection process on the data received by the data producer. The DAAC checks to see if the transfer of the data was completed and were delivered in their entirety. Inspection software was developed by the DAAC to see if the code was able to read the granule. The code also checks to see if each parameter of data falls within the proper range. If any discrepancies are found, the data producer is contacted. The discrepancies are corrected before the data are archived at the DAAC.
There are periods which have significant missing data from the input satellite data-sets. These are listed in the NVAP data set readme file. This can have a serious impact on the daily blended products, especially on the layered products when TOVS data is missing.
Missing data in final products, Temporal inconsistencies when 1 or more of the satellite input data-sets are missing.
Check table of missing input data in the NVAP readme file if using daily fields.
Some temporal interpolation was used to fill in missing areas. If daily time variability studies are to be done with data-set, these areas must be removed. The data source code grids can be used for this task.
To provide comprehensive and accurate global moisture data to assist many important atmospheric science studies.
Software is supplied which reads data from the files, does the necessary byte swapping as specified by the user, applies scale and offsets from the header information, and returns a (360,180) global array of real numbers.
Supplied with the data at time of order.
Langley Research Center Distributed Active Archive Center
The Langley DAAC provides multiple interfaces to access its data holdings. The graphical and character user interfaces allow users to search and order data; and web interfaces allow direct access to some data holdings for immediate downloading or placing media orders, for searching the data holdings, and downloading electronically available holdings, and for ordering prepackaged CD-ROMs and videocassettes. All of these methods are easily obtained from the Langley DAAC web site.
The Langley DAAC will continue to archive and distribute these data until further notice.
Data sets are available via ftp.
Bates, J.J., 1991: "High-frequency variability of Special Sensor Microwave/Imager derived wind speed and moisture during an intraseasonal oscillation." J. Geophys. Rev., 96, 3411-3423.
Cavalieri, D.J., Crawford,J.P., Drinkwater,M.R., Eppler,D.T.,Farmer,L.D., Jentz,R.R, 1991: Aircraft, active and passive microwave validation of sea ice concentration from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (SSM/I). J. Geophys. Res., 96, C12, 21,989-22,008.
Elliot, W.P. and D.J. Gaffen, 1991: "On the Utility of Radiosonde Humidity Archives for Climate Studies." Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 72, 1507-1520.
Goodberlet, M.A., C.T. Swift, and J.C. Wilkerson, 1989: "Remote sensing of ocean surface winds with the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager." J. Geophys. Rev., 94, 14,547-14,555, 1989.
Greenwald, T.J., G.L. Stephens, T.H. Vonder Haar, and D.L. Jackson, 1993: "A Physical Retrieval of Cloud Liquid Water Over the Global Oceans Using SSM/I Observations." J. Geophys. Res., 98, 18471-18488.
Grody,N.C., 1991: Classification of snow cover and precipitation using the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I). J. Geophys. Res., 96 D4, 7423-7435.
Hollinger, J.P. and DMSP Cal-Val Team, 1991: DMSP Special Sensor Microwave/Imager calibration/ validation. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington D.C. Final Report, Volume 2.
Petty, G.W., 1990: "On the response of the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager to the marine environment - Implications for atmospheric parameter retrievals." Ph. D. dissertation, 291 pp., Univ. of Washington, Seattle.
Randel, D.L., T.H. Vonder Haar, M.A. Ringerud, G.L. Stephens, T.J. Greenwald, and C.L. Combs, July 1996: "A New Global Water Vapor Dataset." Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 77, 1233-1246.
Reale, A.L., M.D. Goldberg, and J.M. Daniels, 1989: "Operational TOVS soundings using a physical approach." IGARRS 1989 12th Canadian Symposium on Remote Sensing, Vancouver, B.C., 2653-2657.
Reynolds, R.W., 1988: "A Real-Time Global Sea Surface Temperature Analysis." J. Climate, 1, 75-86.
Stephens, G.L., D.L. Jackson, and J.J. Bates, 1994: A comparison of SSM/I and TOVS column water vapor data over the global oceans. Meteor. Atmos. Phys., 54, 183-201.
Tjemkes, S.A., and G.L. Stephens, 1991: "Space Borne Observations of Precipitable Water: Part I: SSM/I Observations and Algorithm." J. Geophys. Res., 96, 10941-10954.
Wentz, F.J., 1991: User's Manual SSM/I Antenna Temperature Tapes, Revision 1. Remote Sensing Systems (RSS) Tech. Report 120191 , Santa Rosa, CA, 70 pp.
Werbowtzki, A., 1981: "Atmospheric sounding users guide." NOAA Tech. Report NESS 83, U.S. Dept. of Commerce, Washington, D.C.
Wu, X., J.J. Bates, and S.J.S. Khalsa, 1993: "A Climatology of the Water Vapor Band Brightness Temperatures from NOAA Operational Satellites." J. Climate, 6, 1282-1300.
Asrar, G. J., A. Kaye, and P. Morel, 2001: NASA research strategy for earth system science: Climate component. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc, 82, 309-1329.
Atkinson, N. C., 2001: Calibration, monitoring and validation of AMSU-B. Adv. Space Res., 28/1, 17-126.
Cohen, J. L., D. A. Salstein, and R. D. Rosen, 2000: Interannual variability in the meridional transport of water vapor. Jour. Hydrometeorology, 1, 547-553.
Colton, M. C. and G. A. Poe, 1999: Intersensor calibration of DMSP SSM/I's: F-8 to F14, 1987-1997. IEEE Trans on Geosci. and Rem. Sens., 37/1, 418-439.
Engelen, R. J. and G. L. Stephens, 1998: Characterization of Water Vapour Retrievals from TOVS/HIRS and SSM/T-2 Measurements. Quart. J. Roy. Met. Soc., 125/553, 331-351.
Forsythe, J. M., D. L. Randel, S. Woo, D. S. McKague, and T. H. Vonder Haar, 2003: Extending the 12-year NVAP global water vapor dataset into the 21st century. Preprints, 12th AMS Conference on Satellite Meteorology and Oceanography, Long Beach, California, Feb. 2003.
Greenwald, T. J., G. L. Stephens, T. H. Vonder Haar, and D. L. Jackson, 1993: A physical retrieval of cloud liquid water over the global oceans using SSM/I observations. J. Geophys. Res., 98, 18471-18488.
Grody, N.C., 1991: Classification of snow cover and precipitation using the Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I). J. Geophys. Res., 96, 7423-7435.
Huffman, G. J., R. F. Adler, B. Rudolf, U. Schneider and P. R. Keehn, 1995: Global precipitation estimates based on a technique for combining satellite-based estimates, rain gauge analysis, and NWP model precipitation information. J. Climate, 8, 1284-1295.
Kalnay, E., M. Kanamitsu, R. Kistler, W. Collins, D. Deaven, L. Gandin, M. Iredell, S. Saha, G. White, J. Woollen, Y. Zhu, M. Chelliah, W. Ebisuzaki, W. Higgins, J. Janowiak, K. C. Mo, C. Ropelewski, J. Wang, A. Leetsmaa, R. Reynolds, Roy Jenne, and Dennis Joseph, 1996: The NCEP/NCAR 40-year reanalysis project. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc, 77, 437-471.
Kidder, S. Q., M. D. Goldberg, R. M. Zehr, M. DeMaria, J. F. W. Purdom, C. S. Velden, N. C. Grody, S. J. Kusselson, 2000: Satellite Analysis of Tropical Cyclones Using the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU) Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc, 81/6, 1241-1259.
Koch, S. E., M. Desjardins, and Paul J. Kocin, 1983: An Interactive Barnes Objective Map Analysis Scheme for Use with Satellite and Conventional Data. J. Climate and Applied Meteorology, 22, 1487-1502.
McKague, D. S., R. J. Engelen, J. M. Forsythe, S. Q. Kidder, and T. H. Vonder Haar, 2001: An optimal-estimation approach for water vapor profiling using AMSU. 11th AMS Conference on Satellite Meteorology and Oceanography, Madison, Wisconsin.
Randel, D. L., T. H. Vonder Haar, M. A. Ringerud, G. L. Stephens, T. J. Greenwald, and C. L. Combs, 1996: A New Global Water Vapor Dataset. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc, 77, 1233-1246.
Reale, A. L, 2001: NOAA Operational Sounding Products from Advanced-TOVS Polar orbiting Environmental Satellites. NESDIS Technical Report 102.
Reynolds, R. W., N. A. Rayner, T. M. Smith, D. C. Strokes, and W. Wang, 2002: An improved in situ and satellite SST analysis for climate. J. Climate, 15, 1609-1625.
Ross, R. J., W. P. Elliott, and D. J. Seidel, with Participating AMIP-II Modeling Groups, 2002: Lower-Tropospheric Humidity-Temperature Relationships in Radiosonde Observations and Atmospheric General Circulation Models. Jour. of Hydrometeorology, Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 26-38.
Simpson, J. J., J. S. Berg, C. J. Koblinsky, G. L. Hufford, and B. Beckley, 2001: The NVAP global water vapor dataset: Independent cross-comparison and multiyear variability. Remote Sensing of Environment, 76, 112-129.
Susskind, J., P. Piraino, L. Rokke, L. Iredell, and A. Mehta, 1997: Characteristics of the TOVS Pathfinder Path A Dataset. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 78/7, 1449-1472.
Suggs, R. J. and G. J. Jedlovec, 2001: Internal consistency of the NVAP water vapor dataset. 11th AMS Conference on Satellite Meteorology and Oceanography, Madison, Wisconsin.
Vonder Haar, T. H., J. M. Forsythe, D. L. Randel, and S. Woo, 2003: Analysis of the NVAP water vapor dataset: A tool for monitoring Earth's water vapor from daily to decadal scales. Preprints, 12th AMS Conference on Satellite Meteorology and Oceanography, Long Beach, California, Feb. 2003.
Vonder Haar, T. H., D. L. Reinke, D. L. Randel, G. L. Stephens, C. L. Combs, and T. J. Greenwald, 1995: Production of a long-term global water vapor and liquid water data set using ultra-fast methods to assimilate multi-satellite and radiosonde observations. STC Technical Report 2927. Final Report, NASA Contract NASW-4715. 24 pp. Science and Technology Corporation, Hampton, Virginia.
EOSDIS Glossary.


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Cabinet Secretary Major General (Rtd) Joseph Nkaisserry and the Principal Secretary Amb. Monica Juma addresses evacuated Air France passengers at Travelers hotel. Suspicious device discovered in flight AF463's lavatory forced jet to make emergency landing in Mombasa International Airport.
The plane was a Boeing 777 with 459 passengers and 14 crew members who have all been safely evacuated to hotels. A number of passengers are still under interrogation.


text:
Published: 1st May 2014
Number Of Pages: 192
For Ages: 4 - 12 years old
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Solaris stands facing us, his arm raised, his flame weapon pointed and ready.
Sam's nightmares become more unpredictable, and even more dangerous, as he seeks the next Dreamer. His search takes him to Cuba, where unknown pursuers, long-forgotten treasure and the perils of the ocean await. Meanwhile, Eva and Lora's safety hangs in the balance, and Alex makes a terrifying discovery of his own...
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All these changes impact the world of organizations and it poses new challenges, new demands, which lead them. The need to have a positive attitude to changes in competitiveness because of the complexity and uncertainty are variables that must be addressed with an open mind to the analysis constant environment. If we consider what we have raised previously in respect of all the changes that have occurred in the environment and how these changes have impacted the field of management, which have given a lot of complexity and uncertainty, it is obvious conclude that success today is not an easy situation. Many writers such as Restaurant Michael Schwartz offer more in-depth analysis. If changes have transformed the type of navigation and have significantly impacted the field of directions in new challenges for those running successfully, it appears under its own weight to these people running have to make on the basis of certain technical and leadership skills. What are the technical things? Using techniques that we are the procedures or methods of reasonable procedure to follow to act. For example, accounting techniques proceed in certain ways to intervene in the economic rationale of a company. With minimal access techniques, we can intervene to make a reasoned way operation What gall is to have management skills? Having skills means being a person who has the skills, intelligence and talent required, skills and adequate enough to use, art and science, the best techniques.
For example, a leader may have great negotiating skills. A doctor can have great skills to operate. Always, at this time of the conference I like to make an analogy with the field of medicine, I find the similarity with the business.


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text:
5 Common Mistakes Made by Property Investors
Real estate investments seem to be a reliable way of making money in these tough economic times. However, there are number of traps to be wary of in order to protect your investments.
1. Insufficient Research
Often an investor will fail because they purchase the best home on a street that is in an unsuitable location, or in an area that's run down due to the economic times. It's important to do your research and choose a wonderful property that's in a desirable spot. To be able to recognize the flow of your investment, check the listings over the past ten years. This will give you an idea if the market is depressed or if the costs are on the rise. Run a list of the comparables in the area you're thinking of purchasing also and see how they have fared. For an expert opinion, think about hiring a professional estate agent to help you with the process.
2. Exceeding What You Can Afford
The primary goal of investing is to spend only what you have figured within your budget. Make sure you know your limits and try not to get caught up in the enthusiasm of the projects at hand. Real estate is a long-term investment and you won't reap the rewards immediately. It takes time for your property values to rise and for them to generate sufficient money. You will also need to factor in any necessary improvements and renovations. When it comes time for making home improvements, be conservative and choose only the projects that will add value to your property first.
3. Not Having an Emergency Plan
An investor can fail in the real estate market if they don't have an emergency plan ready in case something goes wrong. Today's economic climate is tough to figure out, so you need to have an emergency plan figured out for a quick evacuation. Be prepared for the unexpected and have a professional expert handy in case you need to get rid of your investment quickly.
4. Don't Be Impatient
Unlike other ventures, investment property is a long-term project that you'll probably make money on once you resell. Plan ahead for renovations and general upkeep and expect these projects to set you back financially at the beginning. It may even be a struggle to meet your mortgage payments on the property at times. Depending on a quick sale will only set you up for financial disaster.
5. Getting Emotionally Attached to the Aesthetics of the Property
This is a major area where investors struggle. They could get emotionally attached to a specific feature or room of the house and fall in love with the investment. It's definitely a plus to like the home that you are purchasing, but you have to remember that you aren't going to be living in it. Clear your mind and see the property for its imperfections and the costs that you will have to incur to fix it up. You may love it for its quirkiness and charm, but you need to make sure that you can still rent it out.
Andrew Potter is the resident property blogger for www.myonlineestateagent.com. My Online Estate Agent partners with the leading property websites, providing an unbeatable service for landlords and sellers.


text:
Missouri Illinois Basketball
Illinois guard Aaron Cosby (11), guard Kendrick Nunn (25), center Maverick Morgan (22) and guard Malcolm Hill (21) reach for a rebound against Missouri forward Johnathan Williams III (3) and forward D'Angelo Allen (5) during the annual Braggin' Rights game at the Scottrade Center Saturday, Dec. 20, 2014, in St. Louis. Illinois won the game 62-59. (For the Herald & Review/ Stephen Haas)Download


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Construction is underway for a new office building in the Pico Union district, just outside the Downtown L.A. freeway ring.
The four-story building, located at 921 W. Venice Boulevard, is easily visible to travelers on both the Harbor and Santa Monica Freeways. A leasing page from the website LoopNet indicates that the completed project will feature slightly over 20,000 square feet of leasable space.
Architectural renderings portray a nondescript low-rise structure with a color scheme of white and red. Outdoor space would line the building's rooftop.
Just a few blocks west on Washington Boulevard, construction is also underway for a new medical office building.
- Pico Union Archive (Urbanize LA)
- 921 W Venice Blvd (LoopNet)


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Before you fill out the application, be sure to ensure you fulfill our three simple requirements:
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Bob Cole Conservatory at CSU Long Beach
How did you choose your instrument?
I was a 3rd violinist in the Modesto Symphony Youth Orchestra when they advertised a need for more violists. I always looked up to the 2 violists who sat in front of me. It was obvious they were having way more fun than the violinists. Within a year I picked up viola and moved up to first stand.
What piece are you most excited to play this upcoming season?
It is so hard to pick just one! I think I will have to say the Mozart Sinfonia Concertante. As both a violist and violinist, this piece is high on my favorites list. It was one of the first pieces I fell in love with and would listen to over and over. I think accompanying such accomplished soloists will give me more insight and knowledge of the score when I perform this piece as a soloist in the future.
What have you learned from AYS so far and what are you hoping to gain from AYS in the future?
I've learned to learn music fast! We prepare things so quickly, much like a professional symphony. I'm hoping this year to learn from the mastery of the soloists coming to play with our orchestra. Because of AYS, we have these exclusive opportunities I never thought I would get to have so early in my career.


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Blake Lively is a female actress. She is known for wearing the perfume: Victoria's Secret Ooh La La Sexy Little Things Shimmering Fragrance Mist, DKNY Be Delicious Fresh Blossom, Salvatore Ferragamo Incanto Bliss, Gucci Premiere EDP, Burberry The Beat. "I do actually wear Gucci. ¾If you're wearing a feminine outfit, you'll notice the feminine notes. ¾If you're wearing something that's more masculine, you'll notice the wood and leather."
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You can make a difference! Make a Donation.
Are you interested in being part of the International House team?
As a Resident Advisor (RA) you will have the opportunity to help shape the community of the International House and to be a mentor to hundreds of students that arrive at the International House, eager to get to know Harrisburg, the US and to make International House their home away from home.
Some of the duties of the RA include preparing rooms for resident arrivals, assisting in resident departures, planning resident events and engaging the residents to be a part of the International House community. A rotating schedule is used to ensure that an RA is always available to assist residents with any situation that may arise.
RAs live on-site in single rooms specifically assigned throughout our buildings and help provide a safe, comfortable, secure and nurturing living environment for our residents.
RAs must be 21 years of age or older or have a junior or higher class level.


text: I have known Hayley and Rob since we were in high school. It doesn't seem that long ago that I was a sophomore and they were seniors and now they are married and have FOUR beautiful little girls! I had the honor of documenting their growing family last month down in Wilmington. We started our session at the Aboretum and then finished up down at a dock on Wrightsville Beach. Their girls are SUPER cute and so well behaved! I loved this session so much because we were able to get so many pictures of them just interacting with one another instead of looking at the camera for a formal portrait. Did I mention the girls are SUPER CUTE???


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Tranmere have offered contracts to midfielder James Rowe and striker Shaun Jeffers after successful trial spells.
Rowe, who played 42 times for Forest Green last season, began his career with Reading and Southampton.
Jeffers, 21, spent five season on the books of Coventry with loan spells at Cheltenham and then most recently Tamworth last season.
Manager Ronnie Moore told Wirral News: "We have made offers to Rowe and Jeffers. Now it is up to them whether they take up those offers.
"They are young players and they are having a chat with their parents. I think they both have a bright future in the game.
"I think Rowe is going to be a player and there's plenty to come from Jeffers up front. If we can nail them both we would like to do it."


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Our Backyard
We thought you guys might get a kick out of this. Believe it or not, these trucks are parked down the street from our Placentia, California, office in a big field, which doesn't sound too amazing until one realizes Custom Classic Trucks is smack dab in the middle of suburban Orange County. For as long as any one of us can remember, none of these trucks has ever moved. We wonder if this might not be The End? for them. CCT


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How long have I known you, Oh Canada? A hundred years? Yes, a hundred years. And many, many seelanum more. And today, when you celebrate your hundred years, Oh Canada, I am sad for all the Indian people throughout the land.
But in the long hundred years since the white man came, I have seen my freedom disappear like the salmon going mysteriously out to sea. The white man's strange customs, which I could not understand, pressed down upon me until I could no longer breathe.
When I fought to protect my land and my home, I was called a savage. When I neither understood nor welcomed his way of life, I was called lazy. When I tried to rule my people, I was stripped of my authority.
My nation was ignored in your history textbooks – they were little more important in the history of Canada than the buffalo that ranged the plains. I was ridiculed in your plays and motion pictures, and when I drank your fire-water, I got drunk – very, very drunk. And I forgot.
Oh Canada, how can I celebrate with you this centenary, this hundred years? Shall I thank you for the reserves that are left to me of my beautiful forests? For the canned fish of my rivers? For the loss of my pride and authority, even among my own people? For the lack of my will to fight back? No! I must forget what's past and gone.
Oh God in heaven! Give me back the courage of the olden chiefs. Let me wrestle with my surroundings. Let me again, as in the days of old, dominate my environment. Let me humbly accept this new culture and through it rise up and go on.
Oh God! Like the thunderbird of old I shall rise again out of the sea; I shall grab the instruments of the white man's success – his education, his skills, and with these new tools I shall build my race into the proudest segment of your society. Before I follow the great chiefs who have gone before us, Oh Canada, I shall see these things come to pass.
I shall see our young braves and our chiefs sitting in the houses of law and government, ruling and being ruled by the knowledge and freedoms of our great land. So shall we shatter the barriers of our isolation. So shall the next hundred years be the greatest in the proud history of our tribes and nations.


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Levintsa Law Firm is a full service law firm and is the leading legal consulting firm in corporate, financial and commercial law practices in Moldova
The firm is dedicated to providing a full range of quality legal consulting services in Moldova and members of the law firm offer legal services for all business matters in Moldova.
Levintsa Law Firm possesses a wide range of legal experience and offers its clients a unique combination of professionalism and legal expertise in virtually all areas of Moldovan law.
The firm considers budgetary limitations and offers its clients cost effective legal solutions for all legal matters.
Please refer to the respective pages of this website for the current legal service information.
We are here to Help! If you have a question or require a legal assistance, just send your message via an email and we'll do our best to respond to you in a timely manner.
Copyright © 2000-2018 Levintsa & Associates. All rights reserved.


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Have any questions? Reach us at firstname.lastname@example.com
47 Scotts Road, Goldbell Towers
#03-03, Singapore 228233
Tel: +65 6225-8480
Fax: +65 6235-0332
19-7 The Boulevard Offices, Mid Valley City,
Lingkaran Syed Putra, Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +60322018089
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"Please note that the material here is provided to you for general information and illustrative purposes only, or as descriptive case studies on how our value-investing principles may be applied. It is not intended to be and should not be construed as any form of general or specific financial advice. For the avoidance of doubt, we do not recommend or provide opinions on how or what you should or should not be investing in, and you should always do your own research and independent assessment before making any investment decisions, taking into account your own specific circumstances. If you require any financial advice on investments or any other financial matters, please consult the relevant professional financial advisers."


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The PCC Elections
posted on
Yesterday the first
clusterfuck elections were held for Police & Crime Commissioners. These are meant to be elected officials that oversee policing and crime prevention in 41 areas (excluding London). The turnout for these elections has been laughably low, ranging from 10% to just below 19%. These are the lowest peacetime election turnouts in history. Evidently many chose not to vote, me included. But why was that? I can't vouch for everyone but I can at least give my reasons.
One of the primary reasons is that we're in an age of austerity, yet we're somehow finding £100 million to throw away on an election that nobody really knows or cares about. Instead of spending so much money on a new election, why not spend it on… I don't know, more police?
The claim is that the PCCs will have more of a mandate than those unelected officials they replace. That is true, but it's not exactly a big mandate. The Tories like to talk about the legitimacy of trade union elections or the EU, yet those elections ended up having more of a mandate than these elections.
Another reason is lack of information. The only information I've really seen has been from the electoral commission. I didn't event know who was standing until a few weeks ago, when I saw it was Labour, the Tories, the Lib Dems… Wasn't the whole point meant to be that political parties wouldn't get involved and it would be largely local independents? Instead it's becoming a place for retired or failed MPs to go and try and get a job somewhere else.
But that's no excuse for not voting? If you're a true citizen you can go and find information rather than expect it to be spoon fed to you. Right? And not voting is purely down to apathy and you lose your right to complain about the person elected. If this was any other election I would somewhat agree with that. But I did go out and find information and what I found is that it wouldn't matter who I voted for. The policies for every candidate in my area were this:
- Put more police on the streets
- Reduce crime
Every single candidate. They'd all say they'll do the exact same thing, which coincidentally is the job description of the post of PCC. It genuinely does not matter. And to further compound that you need to look at the areas they could have differentiated themselves. Ending the criminalisation of drugs, protecting civil rights, reforming prison services. These are things they have no power over. All they can really do is redirect a bit of money (which is still effectively centrally controlled so they can't roll back cuts to policing budgets).
Effectively we're spending £100 million to elect 41 people to jobs giving them between £65k and £100k a year to just shift a few bits of money around in an already restricted budget. And this is why I didn't bother voting, and why I suspect many others didn't bother voting either.


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|Portland's White House was built in 1911 as a lumber baron's summer house. (JENN ABELSON/GLOBE STAFF)
PORTLAND, Ore. - At Portland's White House Bed & Breakfast, Lanning Blanks is commander in chief, and he is serious about making his West Coast version of the D.C. landmark a place where everyone, no matter their political affiliation, feels at home.
Located in the historic Irvington district, the Greek revival mansion, a former summer home of lumber baron Robert Lytle, has been restored by Blanks with European chandeliers, gilt-gold ceilings, a grand staircase, and 14 massive columns. It looks remarkably like the real thing (minus the Secret Service, of course).
Inside, it manages to be homey, despite a museum-like edge. Blanks has an extensive collection of porcelains, 18th- and 19th-century oils, and a parlor with a grand piano.
The inn has five guest rooms in the main house and three in the carriage house with king or queen feather beds, private baths, and Wi-Fi. It's worth the extra money to stay in the main house.
Breakfast here is decadent. Guests sit at a long dining room table with a white tablecloth and feast on egg souffles and Belgian waffles with fresh-picked blackberries. Enormous homemade cookies appear like manna in your room every afternoon.
Blanks, a South Carolina native, was making his way to Hawaii when he stopped here years ago. He never made it to the paradise in the Pacific Ocean, but he's made one here in Portland.
Portland's White House Bed & Breakfast, 1914 Northeast 22d Ave., Portland, Ore. 800-272-7131 or 503-287-7131, www.portlandswhite house.com. $125-$225 per night.


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VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis will host a luncheon for Filipino survivors of the deadly Typhoon Haiyan during his Jan. 12-19 visit to Sri Lanka and the Philippines, his second visit to Asia in a year that confirms the region is a priority for his pontificate.
The Vatican on Friday released the itinerary for the pope's visit, which comes just five months after his August pilgrimage to South Korea.
Francis first flies to Colombo, where he will canonize Sri Lanka's first saint, the Rev. Giuseppe Baz, a 17th-century missionary credited with reviving the Catholic faith in the country.
The pope arrives in Manila Jan. 15, and two days later flies to the central city of Tacloban, hardest hit by the Nov. 8, 2013, typhoon that left more than 7,300 people dead or missing. There he will celebrate Mass, host a luncheon and comfort survivors.
The visit is "very unexpected but is also very much welcome," Archbishop John Du of Palo near Tacloban said in a statement.
Francis' final public event is a Mass in Manila's Rizal Park on Jan. 18. The Philippines' presidential executive secretary, Paquito Ochoa, said the crowd was expected to number "in the millions."
When St. John Paul II visited the Philippines in 1995, he drew 5 million people to Mass, a record that no pope has since matched. Francis just may, given his enormous popularity in a country that appreciates his attention to the poor.
Asia is widely considered the future of the Catholic Church, growing there while it withers in traditionally Christian Europe. Despite being a minority religion in every Asian nation except the Philippines, which is predominantly Roman Catholic, the church baptizes more Catholics in Asia every year than in Europe, according to Vatican statistics.
Associated Press writer Oliver Teves contributed from Manila. Follow Nicole Winfield at www.twitter.com/nwinfield


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"The Writing Life: Fiction 2018" will be led by Kris Johannesson MFA. She is a frequent lecturer at UVM and she has taught for over twenty years and worked with students of all ages. Her writing has been published in literary journals, web journals and literary anthologies. This offering follows her popular Memoir 101 and Horror Writing workshops at the Bixby in 2017.
WEYBRIDGE — A South African theatrical production of "The Revealers," a middle-school novel by Weybridge author Doug Wilhelm, was recently nominated for a Naledi Award, South Africa's top theatrical honor.
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MIDDLEBURY — Take six writers and give them 12 hours to write a 10-minute play. Include some random ingredients, some curveballs, and one line chosen by the public. The next day, grab a director and tons of actors, rehearse those shows and perform them that night at 7:30. That's "Pop-Up Plays," popping up for the second year at Town Hall Theater on Saturday, March 7, at 7:30 p.m. The whole event takes place in 24 hours, which makes it the freshest theater experience around.
Everyone has habits, here's one of mine.
WEYBRIDGE/WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Monday evening as local writer Julia Alvarez sat chatting with Michelle Obama at the White House, she tried to snap a photo of the First Lady to send to her family.
"I felt like a little hick with my eager little iPhone," Alvarez recalled with a laugh back at her Weybridge home on Tuesday.
MIDDLEBURY — Kendra Weber Gratton was a toddler 45 years ago when she and her four brothers were first tucked into bed with her mom's story of "Flabby Rabbit," who enlists the help of "Squinty Squirrel" and other forest friends in protecting "Millie Robin's" four eggs.
Gratton and her siblings have since told that endearing tale of friendship to their own children.
Now the family will be able to share that story with an even wider audience — the general public.
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LAMCOS,UMR 5259 - INSA Lyon,Villeurbanne 69621, Francee-mail: email@example.com
LAMCOS,UMR 5259 - INSA Lyon,Villeurbanne 69621, Francee-mail: email@example.com
IMP,UMR 5223 - INSA Lyon,Villeurbanne 69621, Francee-mail: email@example.com
IMP,UMR 5223 - INSA Lyon,Villeurbanne 69621, Francee-mail: email@example.com
Contributed by the Fluids Engineering Division of ASME for publication in the JOURNAL OF FLUIDS ENGINEERING. Manuscript received January 14, 2015; final manuscript received May 26, 2015; published online July 10, 2015. Assoc. Editor: John Abraham.
Electrostatic rotary bell sprayers (ERBS) are widely used in automotive painting applications. These processes involve complex airflows to shape paint sprays and transport droplets toward automotive parts to be coated. Despite the importance of shaping airflow on global spray characteristics, a detailed characterization of this aerodynamic flow is still missing. For this purpose, an experimental study was conducted on the influence of some ERBS operating parameters on the development and characteristics of shaping airflow. Results show that, for low swirl numbers, the flow behavior is close to that of annular swirling jets and a good agreement is found between ERBS flow characteristics and data available in literature. When rotational speed of the bell cup is sufficiently fast, a change of regime is observed with a shift in the longitudinal flow development and an increase of recirculation zone length. This change of regime is attributed to vortex breakdown instability, known to occur when high swirl strength is beyond a critical value. Experimental results obtained in this study put forward a clear link between the shaping air flow rate and the rotation frequency on the aerodynamics and also provide valuable leads to design shaping air flow in modern ERBS.
Isolines of velocity (m/s) obtained from Pitot tube measurements Q = 230 Nl/min, N = 30 krpm. Highest velocity is found close to the cup edge. Zero velocity isoline marks the outer limit of the recirculation zone.
High-speed rotary bell PPH 308 (Sames Technologies, France)
Flow regimes
Airflow pattern involved in conventional rotary bell atomizers
Maximum of the mean longitudinal velocity at x/dcup = 0 obtained from all the operating conditions tested in this work (see Table 1)
Evolution of the centerline velocity
Centerline velocity decrease rate as a function of diameter ratio
Evolution of the length of the recirculation region with blockage ratio DR2
Radial (left) and centerline (right) profiles of mean longitudinal velocity for N = 30, 40, 50, and 60 krpm and three swirl numbers: S = 1.05 (top), S = 1.25 (middle), and S = 1.5 bottom)
Evolution of recirculation zone length with swirl number
Evolution of maximum mean centerline velocity with swirl number
Radial profiles of longitudinal mean velocity at x = 0
Radial profile of the normalized axial velocity for x/dcup > 2
Evolution of maximum centerline mean velocity with swirl number
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Dalian Modular Assembly Technology Co., Ltd
Dalian Modular Assembly Technology Co., Ltd (MAT) founded in 2009. MAT headquarters located in Dalian, China. We created innovative Aluminum Framing System designed as a cost-effective and more flexible alternative to traditional steel weldments.
As the acceptance of aluminum extrusions progressed, so did MAT by expanding its product offerings to meet the evolving needs of manufacturing companies and machine builders.
Today, MAT has a complete system of aluminum profi... [Details]


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Ebb & Eddy's Island Sweets & Eats
Ebb & Eddy's Island Sweets & Eats
in Castaway Bay Indoor Waterpark Resort, 2001 Cleveland Rd. W (US 6)
Sandusky, OH 44870
Price: $10 or under
Meals Served: Breakfast, Lunch
Location & Visitor information
Ebb and Eddy's Island Sweets and Eats has a casual atmosphere serving a selection of Starbucks coffee, Toft's ice cream treats, tempting pastries, deli sandwiches, soft drinks, and fresh-cut fruit. Waterfront, kid-friendly. Open year-round.


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Charter Sign
Custom Aluminum Charter Sign
Enter your custom text above. (100-character limit; approximately three short sentences.) You will be emailed a mock-up for approval before we create and ship the sign.
Welcome to the Little Free Library family! A custom charter sign is the perfect option for honoring or memorializing a loved one, sharing a favorite quote, or displaying your family's name.
- Unique charter number
- Option to add your Library to the world map, which will help people find and visit your Library
- Access to a private Facebook group for registered stewards, where you can swap stories and connect with other stewards
- Steward's Guide of proven tips to make your Library a vital part of your community
- Subscription to our regular e-newsletter with inspiring stories, ideas, and special deals
- Access to brand new, deeply discounted books through First Book for stewards in low-income areas; plus special book offers from publishers via our e-newsletter
- "How Does this Library Work?" flier for your Library
- 11" wide x 3.5" tall
- Made from high-quality aluminum
- Comes in silver or white aluminum
- Features unique charter number
- Accommodates about three lines of custom text running horizontally along the top of the sign
- The words "LittleFreeLibrary.org®," "Take a Book Return a Book™," "A Nonprofit Organization," logo, and charter number cannot be removed
- View our Returns Policy
If you are considering ordering ten or more signs, please contact us at customerservice@
You do not need to purchase a charter sign if you are buying a Little Free Library book exchange from our online catalog. Charter signs are automatically included with Little Free Libraries.


text: The Kenda recommended tire for the NEPG Black Coal enduro at Lynnville, Indiana is the Washougal II, this tire is a great in intermediate tire covering soil conditions from loam to hard clay. The alternate tires will be the Millville 2 with its aggressive direction tread or the Equilibrium a hybrid between trails and knobby rear tire. The Kenda rider support boxes will be at this round, they will be at the first and second gas truck. The boxes contain a supply of Kenda Tuff-Tubes, bike stand, tools, tire spoons and air compressor. The tubes are on the honor system, just stop by after the race and pay for what you use. The support boxes are for all riders regardless of the brand tires you run. Tim Anderson the trackside vendor for Kenda tires will have a large selection of Kenda tires, Super Tuff Tubes and Tuff Tubes including the Washougal II, Triple, Equilibrium and Millville II tires. You can reserve your tires at email@example.com, please include tire sizes or call Tim at (248) 431-7506 before 10 PM EST. Mounting is available. A limited selection of Kenda youth tires and Tuff-Tubes will also be available. Stop by the Kenda tent and say hello.


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Reston, Virginia: December 18, 1997 (PR Newswire)
New! help for insomnia QuitKey
quitting smoking
diet & exercise
'Tis the season to lose weight. Whether it's to drop holiday pounds or as a New Years Resolution. This year's dieters are getting help from a palm sized computer that will keep them on track long past January 1.
DietMate®, developed with grants from the National Institutes of Health, is an easy to use, hand held computer system that creates a diet and exercise program based on each users height, weight, age, sex, weight loss goals, and exercise preferences.
Not to be mistaken as a mere calorie counter, DietMate has received patent protection for its unique method of behavior modification. Which means that the tiny computer not only helps with short term weight loss, but changes long term habits necessary for permanent weight control.
"In addition to helping me lose 40 pounds, DietMate helps me lead a healthier life so its a way to get healthy and slender." Said Carol Allen of Bedford, New York, a devoted DietMate user.
Recent intervention by the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to pull popular prescription diet pills off the market, has inspired many opinions on dieting to change. The current trend is for a drug free, monitored means of weight loss based on healthy living, and away from fad diets.
PICS, Inc., the makers of DietMate, are experts in helping people improve their health without the risk of drugs. Their highly successful LifeSign® stop smoking computer has helped over a million users in their efforts to quit smoking. DietMate provides the health care community with the tools needed to combine breakthrough technology with a back to basics, drug free approach to weight loss.
"The thing that makes DietMate so successful is that it does more than just help someone drop a few quick pounds," says Al Behar, president of PICS, Inc, "It actually helps them to develop long term habits that will improve their health for life."
"Since I have almost achieved my weight loss goal, I use DietMate to help me maintain my weight without having to worry." Says Kay Seneker of Seymour, TN.
In clinical trials conducted with grants from the National Institutes of Health, DietMate has been proven effective in weight, cholesterol, and high blood pressure reduction.
Charleen Vernon of Medford, NJ says, "DietMate is easy! An American way of life! It allows me my Gyro on Thursdays and Sushi on Tuesdays. It's a weight management system, not a diet. It can go with you anywhere. I love it!"
For more information about DietMate, please call 1-800-DIETMATE, or visit http://www.dietmate.com.
Editors note: Al Behar, President of PICS, Inc. is available for interviews. Please call Yamit Willentzik at (703) 758-1400 or E-mail.


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So lately I've been doing a lot of shopping lately. Actually it's probably more like buying useless cute things I don't need more than shopping... but here are a few things that I've bought *___*!!
I've also been going to a lot of lolita meets + seeing friends so look out for new blog posts in the near futureeeee n__n!
Kitten D'Amour black cardigan with white collar, Vivienne Westwood replica hand bag, offbrand polkadot cardigan.
Kitten D'Amour pink x white blouse, offbrand beige bolero, San-x Rilakkuma plush, offbrand mori girl dress, Sock Cafe over knee socks.
Rabbit mittens on string, Rilakkuma note pad (present from Jackson's mum), beaded bracelets in different colours, doughnut and ice-cream flavoured bath bombs, Rilakkuma plush (present from Steph), QQ gummie lollies in different flavours, strawberry and fluffy heart strapya, hi-chew chewy candies, fawn bow made by Goldie, Chess Story wrist cuffs, Chocomint candy necklace, Rilakkuma key chain, yummy vanilla perfume, cupcake tea diffuser from T2, honey vanilla tea from T2.
Mood: Overtired
Listening to: Before The Dawn - 인피니트 (Infinite)


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This is just a quick pointer to a post over at Josh Stenger's blog that organizes media and communication departments at the USN&WR's top-ranked SLACs (that's probably too much acronyming).
I just added a probably-too-long comment there, so I won't go into much more detail here. (Although its probably worth noting here the limitations of using rankings like this to indicate any kind of relative weight to these programs. Still, having the data all in one place is excellent work and useful in itself. We can discuss the validity of the ranking system itself another time.)
Regardless, very interesting info, indeed.


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Visit the Niagara Region. Gently rolling hills and the majestic Niagara Escarpment are infused with brilliant bursts of crimson, gold and orange. Vines are laden with juicy grapes ready for harvesting. The awesome wonder of Niagara Falls awaits. You'll find the most prestigious Wineries, welcoming Places to Stay, fun Things to Do, magnificent Places to Eat and all Other prominent businesses listed right here.
Vintners across the region invite you to raise a glass to the bounty of the land. Here, exceptional food and wine are always cause for celebration.
Niagara Home Grown – June 17-18, 2017
Niagara Homegrown Wine Festival Discovery Pass Program
June 17–18, 2017
Niagara Homegrown Wine Festival TD Tailgate Party
June 17, 2017
On the eve of the Summer Solstice, one of the longest days of the year, over 35 Niagara Wineries will celebrate the start of the new vintage. Kick off the celebrations with a casual evening featuring VQA wines, fresh produce and farm to table favourites set in a beautiful Niagara vineyard. Join us for the most unique wine and food event live in the vines with fabulous entertainment and a truly Canadian experience for any wine lover. Included in the celebrations is the 'New Vintage' Discovery Pass program featuring special events and tastings at Niagara wineries.
Niagara Grape & Wine Festival – September 8-24, 2017
Niagara Grape & Wine Festival Discovery Pass Program
September 9–10, 16–17 & 23–24, 2017
Niagara Grape & Wine Festival Montebello Park Experience
September 15–17 & 22–24, 2017
Niagara Ice Wine Festival
Xerox Icewine Gala
January 12, 2018
Niagara Icewine Festival Discovery Pass Program
January 11–13, 18–20 & 25–27, 2019