DPFS_Manual_Appendix-II-9
PRODUCTS PROVIDED BY RSMCs WITH ACTIVITY SPECIALIZATION IN ATMOSPHERIC TRANSPORT MODELLING (BACKTRACKING FOR CTBT VERIFICATION SUPPORT)
The specifications for the backtracking are as follows:
The PTS will not request any graphical products or products other than those specified above. Customized end-user products will be produced by the PTS for submission to the National Authorities, along with RSMC model output. Measurements and end-user products will not be shared by the PTS with the RSMCs or the WMO Secretariat for reasons of confidentiality.
FORMAT OF THE MODEL RESULTS AS DELIVERED BY THE RSMCs
The CTBTO Provisional Technical Secretariat (PTS) requests support from WMO Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres (RSMCs) for atmospheric transport modelling (backtracking) products by using an electronic mail message with the subject line “=== PTS REQUEST FOR SUPPORT ==” to all RSMCs. This will initiate a response from all RSMCs.
The designated RSMCs shall:
(a) Mail back the response form to the responsible officer at the PTS within 3 hours;
(b) Conduct standardized backtracking computations according to the specifications listed below for all measurements included in the notification message;
(c) Upload the results on a secured ftp server, as defined in the notification message, within 24 hours of reception and according to the format as defined below.
The specifications for the backtracking are as follows:
- Simulate a release of 1.3 1015 Bq of a tracer integrated backward in time (no deposition, no decay) at a constant rate at the point of the station location from surface to 30 m from measurement stop to measurement start.
- Calculate the respective (backward) tracer concentrations [in Bq/m3] at a global 1 x 1 degree grid, output frequency 3 hours, time average of output 3 hours, from surface to 30 m.
- Simulate backwards in time to the requested ending date/time (usually 6–14 days from sample collection stop).
The PTS shall:
(a) Restrict requests to cases of anomalous radionuclide measurements or system tests;
(b) Contact the RSMCs in case no confirmation of a request was received within 3 hours;
(c) Conduct regular announced and/or unannounced system tests;
(d) Share the results of tests with the other RSMCs at a website.
The PTS will not request any graphical products or products other than those specified above. Customized end-user products will be produced by the PTS for submission to the National Authorities, along with RSMC model output. Measurements and end-user products will not be shared by the PTS with the RSMCs or the WMO Secretariat for reasons of confidentiality.
NOTIFICATION MAIL MESSAGE SENT OUT BY THE PTS TO WMO RSMCs
FORMAT OF THE MODEL RESULTS AS DELIVERED BY THE RSMCs