SOO/STRC Workstation Eta Modeling Package

	Pre Release : Workstation Eta 3.1f
	Workstation Eta 3.1f Readme
	Update: Workstation Eta 3.1e
	Update: Workstation Eta 3.1d
	Update: Workstation Eta 3.1c
	All New - Workstation Eta 3.1

What is it?

The SOO Science and Training Resource Center Workstation Eta modeling package is a complete, full-physics, numerical weather prediction system, nearly identical to that run operationally at the National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP). However, the installation, configuration, and running of the SOO/STRC version have been greatly simplified from the NCEP release to encourage its use by forecast offices and universities. The SOO/STRC WS Eta is easy to set up and run on most UNIX and LINUX workstations; it should possible for those with limited modeling experience to have the model running in less than 1 hour. In addition, the WS Eta code is very efficient, which is an advantage for real-time forecasting purposes.

Why should you care?

The SOO Science and Training Resource Center version of the workstation Eta modeling package was developed to promote the local use of numerical weather prediction models in the Weather Forecast Offices and to achieve the following goals set by the SOO Science and Training Resource Coordinator:

1. To improve the knowledge and use of NWP forecast models and issues at the local level

2. To advance the forecasting process through an improved understanding of mesoscale atmospheric processes and the use of non-traditional diagnostic tools

3. To increase participation within the WFOs in developing and executing NWP studies to examine local forecast problems

Running the SOO/STRC WS Eta locally at the WFOs will serve to provide 1) numerical weather prediction guidance to National Weather Service and River Forecast Center forecasters at temporal and spatial scales not available from operational data sources, 2) a powerful tool for studying local forecast problems and historically significant weather events, 3) an alternative to the configuration and physics of operational systems, 4) a means to develop and test new diagnostic forecast techniques, and 5) a method of training forecasters on NWP-related issues.

What if I need help?

The SOO/STRC WS Eta modeling package is fully supported by the NWS Science and Training Resource Coordinator. I will assist your office in any aspect of setting up and running the model and getting data to the forecasters. Binaries are provided for those who don't have a compiler. Note that the package is always under development, so please feel free to send me you suggestions for improvement.

How do I get it?

The SOO/STRC WS Eta is available from the SOO/STRC ftp server in the worketa directory and UNIDATA. If you have any questions regarding installation please see the Users Guide or just call me.