Let’s starting getting to know some of AURORA’s Partners a bit better, starting with the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI).
Within AURORA, KNMI is a key player in data assimilation and forecasting and in implementation of the Prototype Data Processor.
KNMI is the Dutch national research and information centre for meteorology, climate, air quality, and seismology. KNMI focuses on monitoring and warning for risks with an atmospheric or seismic origin. In addition, KNMI offers advice and strategy prospects for both acute and future dangers. In order to improve future advice and therefore reach risk reduction, they seek to learn from past events together with their environment: the public, local authorities and (weather) businesses. They continuously innovate our service and thereby create (sustainable) economic opportunities for business, while they contribute to keeping the Netherlands safe, accessible and habitable.
As a scientific institute, KNMI contributes to international climate research and to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and publishes climate scenarios for the Netherlands. There are 4 research and development departments at KNMI:
– The Satellite Observations department studies the composition and dynamics of the global atmosphere using satellite observations of trace gases, aerosols, clouds, and winds. The department uses existing satellites and is actively involved in developing new missions.
– The Seismology and Acoustics department covers the field of mechanical waves in the solid earth, the atmosphere and the oceans, from the angles of seismology and acoustics.
– The Observations and Data technology department optimises the quality and effectivity of geophysical observing systems and data (from sensor to services) and is focal point for the knowledge and innovation in this field.
– The Weather and Climate Models department investigates and develops research tools for weather and air quality prediction applications and climate models. The department participates in a number of international projects directed towards a variety of weather and climate related research and development areas and acts as the Netherlands Focal Point to the IPCC.
