RAL as an Integrator
RAL will continue to serve as an integrator across NCAR laboratories and divisions, across the public and private sectors, and particularly across the wide divide that traditionally exists between the research and operational sectors. RAL will also continue to strive toward more integration of subsystems within our engineered solutions (for example, coupling various types of numerical models to achieve a desired solution, and further merging of sensor-based and model-based solutions).
The ability to integrate not only weather subsystems, but to integrate stakeholders’ non-weather subsystems (rules of practice, crew scheduling, cost/loss assessment models, etc) has been one of the keys to the success of past RAL R&D efforts. This integration paradigm will not only be continued but be exploited as much as possible. Significant system efficiencies and operational efficiencies result from this type of integration, and thus it will remain a standard in system design for RAL.
Much attention has been given recently to the concept of “system of systems” integration, implying complete interoperability and interconnectivity among all master system components. RAL will work to this universal, high-level design in its system development when it makes sense for individual stakeholders, but will deviate when this approach gets in the way of a simpler, more operationally efficient and cost-effective solution.
RAL as an Innovator
Historically, RAL’s success has hinged on innovation, including but not limited to: applying meteorological sensing systems to real-time engineering solutions (e.g., windshear detection); focusing solutions on the sponsors’ specific decision processes; coupling weather and non-weather components in an engineering solution; pursuing efficient mathematical paradigms (fuzzy logic, wavelet theory) that provide system solutions with a higher level of skill; coupling numerical models to provide integrated system solutions; developing new sensors when traditional ones fail to meet standards for a proposed solution; and developing new system design paradigms that exploit, merge and optimize data from diverse sources (models, real-time sensors and humans).
RAL will continue to encourage its project managers, scientists and engineers to develop innovative approaches to the multitude of weather- and climate-related problems that will challenge society over the next decade. Some examples being considered are:
- Developing lidar- and radar-based systems that can provide instant diagnoses and nowcasts of boundary-layer flow and the transport and evolution of pollution and toxic hazards
- Developing the new WRF model to address applications in national security, hydrometeorology, transportation, energy, water resources and agriculture
- Exploring and exploiting climate databases to provide higher-resolution information on local and regional scales
- Developing and testing wildland fire-coupled models that interactively process atmospheric, fuel, and fire dynamics
- Developing creative uses for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as system components
- Developing decision support systems for commercial space operations.
RAL as an Advocacy Builder
RAL will continue to advocate on behalf of both the science and operational communities for the transfer of weather- and climate-related technologies that serve end-user needs. Traditionally RAL has been focused on transportation, national defense and water resources communities; these efforts will continue and expand. New advocacy efforts will be launched in the energy, homeland security, agriculture, air quality, wildland fire, retailing, commercial space and public service sectors to convince members of these communities that advanced weather- and climate-related technologies can significantly increase the safety and efficiency of their operations.
RAL as an NCAR Liaison to Stakeholders
Given RAL’s strong relationships with decision-makers in business and industry, with local, national, and international governmental bodies and agencies, and with non-governmental organizations, RAL will remain a catalyst in connecting science and society. Policy questions and information needs will be considered as research plans are developed. RAL will investigate decision making processes and develop decision-support mechanisms to help ensure efficient and effective application of science to societal needs. Both research and operational goals will be pursued in model development. RAL will seek engagement with those interested in the atmospheric and Earth system sciences, will conduct its work in an open and transparent manner, and will pro-actively inform the public about its programs and results.