National Centers for Environmental Information: Difference between revisions
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'''The National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI)''' is a U.S. government agency that manages one of the world’s largest archives of atmospheric, coastal, geophysical, and oceanic data. The current director is Derek Arndt.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-27 |title=About |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/about-us |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) |language=en}}</ref> |
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NCEI is operated by the [[National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service |
NCEI is operated by the [[National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service|National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS)]], an office of the [[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)]], which operates under the [[United States Department of Commerce|U.S. Department of Commerce]]. |
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In addition to archiving data, NCEI develops products and services that make data readily available to scientists, government officials, the business community, academia, non-governmental organizations, and the general public. |
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= <sup>NCEI Mission</sup> = |
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NCEI provides environmental data, products, and services covering the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun to drive resilience, prosperity, and equity for current and future generations.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-01-27 |title=About |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/about-us |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) |language=en}}</ref> |
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==History== |
==History== |
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NCEI was created in 2015 from the merger of three NOAA data centers: |
NCEI was created in 2015 from the merger of three NOAA data centers: |
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* [[National Climatic Data Center]] (NCDC) |
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* [[National Geophysical Data Center]] (NGDC) |
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* [[National Oceanographic Data Center]] (NODC), which includes the National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC) |
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NCEI was established by the in [[Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013|Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, Public Law 113-235]] response to increasing demand for environmental information. The organization was created by merging existing National Data Centers for Weather and Climate, Oceans, Coasts, and Geophysics with the goal of streamlining the collection and preservation of environmental data. |
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The merger, which came in response to increasing demand for environmental information, was intended to make NOAA's data more useful through the application of consistent [[data steward]]ship practices across all science disciplines. |
The merger, which came in response to increasing demand for environmental information, was intended to make NOAA's data more useful through the application of consistent [[data steward]]ship practices across all science disciplines. NCEI works with the [[ISC World Data System]] to make data free and accessible.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.worlddatasystem.org/community/membership/regular-members | title=Regular Members-World Data System | publisher=ICSU WDS | access-date=October 24, 2020}}</ref> |
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==Data and services== |
==Data and services== |
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[[File:2023 billion dollar disasters.jpg|thumb|This graphic from a study by NCEI]] |
[[File:2023 billion dollar disasters.jpg|thumb|This graphic from a study by NCEI]] |
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The NCEI archive contains more than 60 [[petabyte]]s of data, equivalent to more than 700 million filing cabinets filled with documents. |
The NCEI archive contains more than 60 [[petabyte]]s of data, equivalent to more than 700 million filing cabinets filled with documents. NCEI offers users access to tens of thousands of datasets and hundreds of products. Data are collected by NOAA, by other agencies and departments of the U.S. government, as well as by other institutions, organizations, and governments in the U.S. and around the world.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-07-06 |title=Day In, Day Out, NCEI Takes Data Seriously |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/NOAAArchive |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) |language=en}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | Environmental data are collected from many sources, including satellites, land-based stations, ocean [[buoy]]s, ships, remotely operated underwater vehicles, [[weather balloon]]s, [[radar]], forecasting and climate models, and [[Paleoclimatology|paleoclimatological]] research. Once transmitted to NCEI, data are archived and made available for use by researchers and others in the public and private sectors. The data and products offer information about climate and weather, coasts, oceans, and [[geophysics]]. |
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===Climate and weather=== |
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NCEI offers access to climate information through a variety of reports and datasets. |
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Climate at a Glance, an interactive tool, covers the history and trends of [[precipitation]] and temperature for cities, [[States of america|states]], and regions, as well as for the United States as a whole.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/cag/ | title=Climate at a Glance | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref> The Regional Snowfall Index improves understanding of the regional impacts associated with [[snowstorms]] in the United States.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/news/regional-snowfall-index | title=Regional Snowfall Index | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref> Data from [[NEXRAD]], a network of 160 Doppler weather radar sites operated by the [[National Weather Service]] (NWS), is archived at NCEI.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/data-access/radar-data/nexrad | title=NEXRAD | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref> |
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NCEI issues reports analyzing weather and climate conditions and events. The Monthly Global Climate Report analyzes information from around the world to improve understanding of Earth's large-scale climate conditions.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/analysis/monthly-global-climate-reports | title=Monthly Global Climate Reports | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref> The Monthly U.S. Climate Report analyzes recent U.S. climate conditions in the context of long-term trends.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/analysis/monthly-us-climate-reports | title=Monthly U.S. Climate Reports | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref> For the annual Bulletin of the [[American Meteorological Society]] State of the Climate Report, NCEI leads an international, [[Peer review|peer-reviewed]] effort to characterize the climate of the preceding calendar year.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/bams | title=BAMS State of the Climate Report | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref> The National Climate Assessment summarizes the science of [[climate change]] and the [[Climate change in the United States|impacts of climate change on the U.S.]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.globalchange.gov/what-we-do/assessment | title=Assess the U.S. Climate | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref> The Climate Normals, 30-year averages of temperature and precipitation that are produced once every 10 years, offer the latest standardized method of analyzing climate based on [[World Meteorological Organization]] recommendations.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/data-access/land-based-station-data/land-based-datasets/climate-normals | title=Climate Normals | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref> Paleo Perspectives, created by NCEI's Paleoclimatology team, is a series highlighting the importance of paleoclimate research.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/data-access/paleoclimatology-data/perspectives | title=Paleo Perspectives | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref> |
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NCEI provides a variety of information about extreme events. The U.S. Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters report provides information on direct economic losses from [[tropical cyclone]]s, [[tornado]]es, wildfires, floods, droughts, winter storms, and other events since 1980.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/billions/ | title=Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref> The U.S. Drought Portal, from the [[National Integrated Drought Information System]], offers a centralized source of drought information.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.drought.gov/ | title=Drought.gov | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref> NCEI’s U.S. Tornado Climatology page examines tornado activity across the United States, which is the most active tornado region in the world, with an average of 1,253 tornadoes annually.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/climate-information/extreme-events | title=Extreme Events | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref> The International Best Track Archive for Climate Stewardship assembles the most accurate global data on tropical cyclones.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/ibtracs/ | title=IBTrACS | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref> The U.S. Climate Extremes tool provides information about the location and magnitudes of the highest and lowest values for temperature, precipitation, and other parameters.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/extremes/us-climate-extremes/overview | title=U.S. Climate Extremes | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref> |
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===Coasts=== |
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The Gulf of Mexico Data Atlas provides access to long-term physical, biological, environmental, and economic data that define the baseline conditions of [[Gulf of Mexico]] [[ecosystem]]s.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://gulfatlas.noaa.gov/ | title=Gulf of Mexico Data Atlas | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> NCEI is the long-term archive for all NOAA coastal [[tide gauge]] data.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazard/tide.shtml | title=Water Level Data in Support of Tsunami Research | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> |
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Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Watch collects and shares data on levels of [[Dissolved Oxygen|dissolved oxygen]] in the north-central Gulf of Mexico in order to study the effects on marine life of [[nutrient pollution]] from [[Mississippi River]] runoff.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.northerngulfinstitute.org/gulf-hypoxia/ | title=Welcome to the Cooperative Institute for Gulf Hypoxia | publisher=NGI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/hypoxia-watch | title=Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Watch | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> The [[Harmful algal bloom]]s Observing System (HABSOS) is a tool that allows environmental managers, scientists, and the public to track both current and past Gulf of Mexico blooms, sometimes known as [[red tide]]s, which can kill marine life, make humans sick, and damage the fishing and tourism industries.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/harmful-algal-blooms-observing-system-habsos | title=Harmful Algal Blooms Observing System (HABSOS) | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> |
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=== Oceans === |
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The [[World Ocean Database Project]] (WOD), the world's largest publicly available collection of subsurface ocean profile data, contains over 25 variables including temperature, salinity, oxygen, and nutrients.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/world-ocean-database | title=World Ocean Database | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref> The World Ocean Atlas (WOA)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/world-ocean-atlas | title=World Ocean Atlas (WOA) | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref> is an ocean climatology of objectively analyzed, quality-controlled temperature, salinity, and nutrient means, with depth, based on profile data from the World Ocean Database. The Global Ocean Heat and Salt Content product is essential for understanding and modeling global climate because more than 90% of excess heat in Earth's system is absorbed by the ocean.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/OC5/3M_HEAT_CONTENT/ | title=Global Ocean Heat and Salt Content | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref> Extended Reconstructed Sea Surface Temperature (ERSST) is a global monthly sea surface temperature dataset, with data extending from 1854 to the present.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/data-access/marineocean-data/extended-reconstructed-sea-surface-temperature-ersst-v5 | title=Extended Reconstructed Sea Surface Temperature (ERSST) v5 | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref> The Ocean Carbon Data System provides access to ocean carbon data collected from around the world.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/ocean-carbon-data-system/ | title=Ocean Carbon Data System | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref> The Global Temperature and Salinity Profile Programme (GTSPP), an international effort hosted at NCEI, offers up-to-date temperature and salinity data.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/products/global-temperature-and-salinity-profile-programme | title=Global Temperature and Salinity Profile Programme (GTSPP) | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref> The Blended Sea Winds dataset contains globally gridded, high-resolution ocean surface vector winds, available at intervals as frequent as every six hours.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/data-access/marineocean-data/blended-global/blended-sea-winds | title=Blended Sea Winds | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref> Pathfinder SST is a high-resolution, long-term climate data record of global satellite sea surface temperature, generated using Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer instruments aboard NOAA polar-orbiting satellites.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/SatelliteData/ | title=Satellite Oceanography | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> |
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NCEI works with the NOAA [[Office of Ocean Exploration and Research]] to archive and provide access to information collected by [[NOAAS Okeanos Explorer]], NOAA’s only vessel solely dedicated to ocean exploration. Tools include the OER Video Portal, which allows users to search and access video from Okeanos Explorer and other OER-sponsored missions,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/oer/video/ | title=OER Video Portal | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> and the OER Digital Atlas, a map-based portal that provides access to all data from OER-supported expeditions.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/maps/oer-digital-atlas/mapsOE.htm | title=OER Digital Atlas | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> The Benthic Deepwater Animal Identification Guide is a collection of high-resolution images of marine animals created from video frame grabs taken from Deep Discoverer, the Okeanos Explorer’s remotely operated vehicle.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/okeanos/animal_guide/animal_guide.html | title=Benthic Deepwater Animal Identification Guide V3 | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> |
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The Coral Reef Temperature Anomaly Database is a collection of data on sea surface temperature and related metrics designed to monitor the health of coral reefs, while the NOAA Deep Sea Coral Data Portal provides access to images, technical reports, and data on deep-sea coral and sponges.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nodc.noaa.gov/SatelliteData/Cortad/ | title=Coral Reef Temperature Anomaly Database (CoRTAD) | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> The Coastal Water Temperature Guide offers near-real-time water temperatures for the Great Lakes and ocean waters off the coasts of the U.S. and its territories.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/data/coastal-water-temperature-guide/ | title=Coastal Water Temperature Guide | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref> OceanNOMADS provides access to many years of output from ocean modeling and prediction systems.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/data-access/model-data/ocean-nomads | title=OceanNOMADS | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 6, 2020}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | Environmental data are collected from many sources, including satellites, land-based stations, ocean [[buoy]]s, ships, remotely operated underwater vehicles, [[weather balloon]]s, [[radar]], forecasting and climate models, and [[Paleoclimatology|paleoclimatological]] research. Once transmitted to NCEI, data are archived and made available for use by researchers and others in the public and private sectors. The data and products offer information about climate and weather, coasts, oceans, and [[geophysics|geophysics.]] <ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-08-26 |title=NCEI: NOAA’s Data Archive and More |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/ncei-noaas-data-archive-and-more |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) |language=en}}</ref> |
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===Geophysics=== |
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Bathymetric data are a particular focus. NCEI is the official distribution point for [[National Ocean Service]] bathymetric maps, which are topographic maps of the seafloor that assist scientific research, engineering, energy exploration, and more. Bathymetric fishing maps include data on bottom sediment types and other information that can help identify potential fishing grounds.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/mgg/bathymetry/maps/nos_intro.html | title=U.S. Bathymetric and Fishing Maps | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> The [[GEBCO]] Undersea Feature Names Gazetteer makes available the names and locations of features on the seafloor.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/gazetteer/ | title=GEBCO Undersea Feature Names Gazetteer | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> NCEI builds and distributes high-resolution coastal digital elevation models (DEMs) that integrate ocean [[bathymetry]] and land topography and are used for coastal process modeling (which is related to the study of tsunami inundation, storm surge, sea-level rise, and more), ecosystems management and habitat research, coastal and marine spatial planning, and hazard mitigation and community preparedness.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/mgg/coastal/ | title=Coastal Elevation Models | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> NCEI participated in a program to compile Great Lakes bathymetric data for use in research on pollution, coastal erosion, climate change, and the fishing industry.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/mgg/greatlakes/ | title=Great Lakes Bathymetry | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> NCEI's Marine Trackline Geophysical database provides data on bathymetry, magnetics, gravity, and seismic reflection collected during marine cruises from 1939 to the present.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/mgg/geodas/trackline.html | title=Marine Trackline Geophysical Data | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> The U.S. Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) Project is working to establish the full extent of that portion of the U.S. continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles from shore.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/mgg/ecs/ | title=U.S. Extended Continental Shelf (ECS) Project | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> |
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NCEI has established an archive of passive acoustic data collected from the world’s oceans, which can assist in the study of animal behavior, communication, and migration, as well as the influence of man-made noise on ocean life.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/mgg/pad/ | title=Passive Acoustic Data | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> Water column sonar data is used to map schools of fish and other mid-water marine organisms, as well as to monitor underwater gas seeps and oil spills.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/mgg/wcd/ | title=Water Column Sonar Data | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> |
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== Bastion of World Class Research == |
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NCEI maintains archives of geomagnetic data and develops models of Earth’s geomagnetic field. The [[World Magnetic Model]] (WMM) furthers scientific research and contributes to applications including navigation and mineral exploration,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag/ | title=Geomagnetic Data | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> and the High Definition Geomagnetic Model (HDGM) provides magnetic field values at any point above or below the Earth's surface.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/geomag/HDGM/ | title=High Definition Geomagnetic Model (HDGM) | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> NCEI archives and provides access to solar and [[space environment]]al data collected from a wide range of sources, including [[GOES-R]] and other satellites, solar observatories, and ground ionospheric sounders, as well as from modeled space climatologies.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/stp/spaceweather.html | title=Space Weather | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/stp/satellite/goes-r.html | title=GOES-R Space Weather | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> |
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NCEI Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are sought-after collaborators on national and international research projects. In 2022, they collaborated with scientists from across the globe to produce world-class research. Areas of study were as varied as the environmental data housed at NCEI: hurricanes, drought, ocean warming, fire science, solar flares, artificial intelligence, marine microplastics, and many more. |
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In 2022, NCEI SMEs authored more than 90 papers in peer-reviewed journals. That averages to eight papers per month, and NCEI SMEs were the lead authors in 42% of those papers. The papers were published in 56 different scientific journals, including some of the most-cited journals: ''Scientific Reports'', ''Science of the Total Environment'', ''Nature Climate Change'', ''Nature Communications'', and ''The Astrophysical Journal.''<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-02-13 |title=Moving Science Forward |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/moving-science-forward |access-date=2023-08-08 |website=National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) |language=en}}</ref> |
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NCEI archives data on natural hazards.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazard/ | title=Natural Hazards Data | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> The U.S. Earthquake Intensity Database contains reports for over 23,000 U.S. earthquakes dating from 1638 to 1985,<ref name="Earthquake Data and Information | NCEI">{{cite web | url=https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazard/earthqk.shtml | title=Earthquake Data and Information | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> while the Global Significant Earthquake Database coves 2150 B.C. to the present.<ref name="Earthquake Data and Information | NCEI" /> NCEI maintains the data for the Deep-Ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART) program, which uses seafloor sensors to detect tsunamis and moored surface buoys to transmit the data in real-time so that warnings can be issued.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazard/DARTData.shtml | title=Deep-Ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis (DART) | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> The Global Historical Tsunami Database, which covers 2000 B.C. to the present, contains data on both the source of tsunamis and the locations where their effects were felt.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazard/tsu_db.shtml | title=Global Historical Tsunami Database | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> The Significant Volcanic Eruption Database contains information on more than 500 significant eruptions, including type of volcano and last known eruption, while the Volcanic Ash Advisory Database helps ensure aviation safety and assists in the study of climatic impacts of volcanic eruptions.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazard/volcano.shtml | title=Volcanic Data | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> To address the growing threat of wildfires, the Hazard Mapping System integrates satellite images with data from automated fire-detection algorithms to display the locations of fires. NCEI also maintains a collection of photographs of natural disasters.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ngdc.noaa.gov/hazard/wildfire.shtml | title=Wildfires | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 23, 2020}}</ref> |
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==NCEI data users== |
==NCEI data users== |
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NCEI resources are used for scientific research and commercial applications in many fields, including agriculture, forestry, marine and coastal ecosystems, tourism, transportation, civil infrastructure, energy, transportation, water resources, energy, health, insurance, litigation, and national security.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www. |
NCEI resources are used for scientific research and commercial applications in many fields, including agriculture, forestry, marine and coastal ecosystems, tourism, transportation, civil infrastructure, energy, transportation, water resources, energy, health, insurance, litigation, and national security.<ref>{{cite web |title=Sectoral |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/about/our-impact |access-date=August 8, 2023 |publisher=NCEI}}</ref> |
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For example, retail and manufacturing businesses use climate data to assess how weather has influenced past sales so they can better plan for the future.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/success/retail-manufacturing | title=Retail and Manufacturing | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 26, 2020}}</ref> Corn farmers rely on NCEI data to decide how much fertilizer to apply.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/success/adapt-n-agriculture | title=Adapt-N for Agriculture | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 26, 2020}}</ref> The reinsurance industry—which offers insurance to insurance companies—uses NCEI data to determine risks associated with natural disasters.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/value-data-case-study-reinsurance | title=Value of the Data Case Study: Reinsurance | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 26, 2020}}</ref> Cattle ranchers use NCEI’s weekly U.S. Drought Monitor to make decisions about land management, herd size, and feed purchases.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/value-of-data-USDM | title=Value of the Data: U.S. Drought Monitor | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 26, 2020}}</ref> The freight railway industry uses a number of NCEI products—including Local Climatological Data, Integrated Surface Daily Database, and Global Historical Climatology Network<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/data-access/quick-links | title=Quick Links | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 26, 2020}}</ref>—to predict where tracks might be blocked by landslides and to help trains avoid the path of severe storms.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/noaa-data-value-transportation-sector | title=NOAA Climate and Weather Data Carry Weight in Transportation Sector | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 26, 2020}}</ref> U.S. fishing boats use NCEI ocean and coastal data to determine where fishing conditions are most promising.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/noaa-data-help-land-next-catch | title=NOAA Data Help Land the Next Catch | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 26, 2020}}</ref> The third-party weather service industry uses NCEI data to create customized forecasts and other tools to serve a wide range of clients, such as transportation companies seeking to build facilities where fog or snow is less likely to create problems.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/weather-data-beyond-forecast | title=Weather Data: Beyond the Forecast | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 26, 2020}}</ref> |
For example, retail and manufacturing businesses use climate data to assess how weather has influenced past sales so they can better plan for the future.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/success/retail-manufacturing | title=Retail and Manufacturing | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 26, 2020}}</ref> Corn farmers rely on NCEI data to decide how much fertilizer to apply.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/success/adapt-n-agriculture | title=Adapt-N for Agriculture | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 26, 2020}}</ref> The reinsurance industry—which offers insurance to insurance companies—uses NCEI data to determine risks associated with natural disasters.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/value-data-case-study-reinsurance | title=Value of the Data Case Study: Reinsurance | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 26, 2020}}</ref> Cattle ranchers use NCEI’s weekly U.S. Drought Monitor to make decisions about land management, herd size, and feed purchases.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/value-of-data-USDM | title=Value of the Data: U.S. Drought Monitor | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 26, 2020}}</ref> The freight railway industry uses a number of NCEI products—including Local Climatological Data, Integrated Surface Daily Database, and Global Historical Climatology Network<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/data-access/quick-links | title=Quick Links | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 26, 2020}}</ref>—to predict where tracks might be blocked by landslides and to help trains avoid the path of severe storms.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/noaa-data-value-transportation-sector | title=NOAA Climate and Weather Data Carry Weight in Transportation Sector | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 26, 2020}}</ref> U.S. fishing boats use NCEI ocean and coastal data to determine where fishing conditions are most promising.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/noaa-data-help-land-next-catch | title=NOAA Data Help Land the Next Catch | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 26, 2020}}</ref> The third-party weather service industry uses NCEI data to create customized forecasts and other tools to serve a wide range of clients, such as transportation companies seeking to build facilities where fog or snow is less likely to create problems.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/weather-data-beyond-forecast | title=Weather Data: Beyond the Forecast | publisher=NCEI | access-date=October 26, 2020}}</ref> |
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==Locations== |
==Locations== |
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[[File:NCEI GEO Locations (May 2021-V9-01).png|thumb|right|Map of NCEI Locations as of 2021]]NCEI is headquartered in [[Asheville, North Carolina]], with other primary locations in [[Boulder, Colorado]]; [[Silver Spring, Maryland]]; and the [[Stennis Space Center]] in [[Hancock County, Mississippi]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/about/locations | |
[[File:NCEI GEO Locations (May 2021-V9-01).png|thumb|right|Map of NCEI Locations as of 2021]]NCEI is headquartered in [[Asheville, North Carolina]], with other primary locations in [[Boulder, Colorado]]; [[Silver Spring, Maryland]]; and the [[Stennis Space Center]] in [[Hancock County, Mississippi]].<ref>{{cite web |title=NCEI Locations |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/about/locations |access-date=August 8, 2023 |publisher=NCEI}}</ref> |
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NOAA's six Regional Climate Services Directors, which are part of NCEI, represent the Eastern, Central, Southern, Pacific, Western, and Alaska regions. They work with a broad range of partners to provide climate information specific to each region.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www. |
NOAA's six Regional Climate Services Directors, which are part of NCEI, represent the Eastern, Central, Southern, Pacific, Western, and Alaska regions. They work with a broad range of partners to provide climate information specific to each region.<ref>{{cite web |title=Regional Climate Services Directors |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/partnerships-sectors-regional-climate-center-program |access-date=August 8, 2023 |website=NCEI |publisher=NCEI}}</ref> |
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[[File:NCEI Regional Climate Center Locations.gif|thumb|Map of NCEI's regional climate center locations and coverage areas]] |
[[File:NCEI Regional Climate Center Locations.gif|thumb|Map of NCEI's regional climate center locations and coverage areas]] |
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NCEI manages the Regional Climate Center Program,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/customer-support/partnerships/regional-climate-centers | |
NCEI manages the Regional Climate Center Program,<ref>{{cite web |title=Regional Climate Centers |url=https://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/customer-support/partnerships/regional-climate-centers |access-date=August 8, 2023 |publisher=NCEI}}</ref> which provides services through six regional offices: |
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* [[High Plains Regional Climate Center]] ([[Lincoln, Nebraska]]) |
* [[High Plains Regional Climate Center]] ([[Lincoln, Nebraska]]) |
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* Midwestern Regional Climate Center ([[Champaign, Illinois]]) |
* Midwestern Regional Climate Center ([[Champaign, Illinois]]) |
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* [[Western Regional Climate Center]] ([[Reno, Nevada]]) |
* [[Western Regional Climate Center]] ([[Reno, Nevada]]) |
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NCEI partners with academic and nonprofit institutions known as cooperative institutes to conduct research and perform tasks that support its mission and goals.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/nceis-cooperative-institutes-partners-science | |
NCEI partners with academic and nonprofit institutions known as cooperative institutes to conduct research and perform tasks that support its mission and goals.<ref>{{cite web |title=NCEI's Cooperative Institutes: Partners in Science |url=https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/news/nceis-cooperative-institutes-partners-science |access-date=August 8, 2023 |publisher=NCEI}}</ref> The cooperative institutes affiliated with NCEI are as follows: |
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* Cooperative Institute for Satellite Earth System Studies (CISESS) |
* Cooperative Institute for Satellite Earth System Studies (CISESS) |
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* [[Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences]] (CIRES) |
* [[Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences]] (CIRES) |
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Revision as of 00:11, 9 August 2023
 | |
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 2015 |
| Preceding agencies | |
| Jurisdiction | United States government |
| Headquarters | Asheville, North Carolina |
| Employees | approximately 500 |
| Annual budget | $71.4 million (2023) |
| Agency executive |
|
| Parent agency | National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service |
| Website | www |
The National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) is a U.S. government agency that manages one of the world’s largest archives of atmospheric, coastal, geophysical, and oceanic data. The current director is Derek Arndt.[1]
NCEI is operated by the National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS), an office of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which operates under the U.S. Department of Commerce.
In addition to archiving data, NCEI develops products and services that make data readily available to scientists, government officials, the business community, academia, non-governmental organizations, and the general public.
NCEI Mission
NCEI provides environmental data, products, and services covering the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun to drive resilience, prosperity, and equity for current and future generations.[2]
History
NCEI was created in 2015 from the merger of three NOAA data centers:
- National Climatic Data Center (NCDC)
- National Geophysical Data Center (NGDC)
- National Oceanographic Data Center (NODC), which includes the National Coastal Data Development Center (NCDDC)
NCEI was established by the in Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, Public Law 113-235 response to increasing demand for environmental information. The organization was created by merging existing National Data Centers for Weather and Climate, Oceans, Coasts, and Geophysics with the goal of streamlining the collection and preservation of environmental data.
The merger, which came in response to increasing demand for environmental information, was intended to make NOAA's data more useful through the application of consistent data stewardship practices across all science disciplines. NCEI works with the ISC World Data System to make data free and accessible.[3]
Data and services
The NCEI archive contains more than 60 petabytes of data, equivalent to more than 700 million filing cabinets filled with documents. NCEI offers users access to tens of thousands of datasets and hundreds of products. Data are collected by NOAA, by other agencies and departments of the U.S. government, as well as by other institutions, organizations, and governments in the U.S. and around the world.[4]
Environmental data are collected from many sources, including satellites, land-based stations, ocean buoys, ships, remotely operated underwater vehicles, weather balloons, radar, forecasting and climate models, and paleoclimatological research. Once transmitted to NCEI, data are archived and made available for use by researchers and others in the public and private sectors. The data and products offer information about climate and weather, coasts, oceans, and geophysics. [5]
Bastion of World Class Research
NCEI Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are sought-after collaborators on national and international research projects. In 2022, they collaborated with scientists from across the globe to produce world-class research. Areas of study were as varied as the environmental data housed at NCEI: hurricanes, drought, ocean warming, fire science, solar flares, artificial intelligence, marine microplastics, and many more.
In 2022, NCEI SMEs authored more than 90 papers in peer-reviewed journals. That averages to eight papers per month, and NCEI SMEs were the lead authors in 42% of those papers. The papers were published in 56 different scientific journals, including some of the most-cited journals: Scientific Reports, Science of the Total Environment, Nature Climate Change, Nature Communications, and The Astrophysical Journal.[6]
NCEI data users
NCEI resources are used for scientific research and commercial applications in many fields, including agriculture, forestry, marine and coastal ecosystems, tourism, transportation, civil infrastructure, energy, transportation, water resources, energy, health, insurance, litigation, and national security.[7]
For example, retail and manufacturing businesses use climate data to assess how weather has influenced past sales so they can better plan for the future.[8] Corn farmers rely on NCEI data to decide how much fertilizer to apply.[9] The reinsurance industry—which offers insurance to insurance companies—uses NCEI data to determine risks associated with natural disasters.[10] Cattle ranchers use NCEI’s weekly U.S. Drought Monitor to make decisions about land management, herd size, and feed purchases.[11] The freight railway industry uses a number of NCEI products—including Local Climatological Data, Integrated Surface Daily Database, and Global Historical Climatology Network[12]—to predict where tracks might be blocked by landslides and to help trains avoid the path of severe storms.[13] U.S. fishing boats use NCEI ocean and coastal data to determine where fishing conditions are most promising.[14] The third-party weather service industry uses NCEI data to create customized forecasts and other tools to serve a wide range of clients, such as transportation companies seeking to build facilities where fog or snow is less likely to create problems.[15]
Locations
NCEI is headquartered in Asheville, North Carolina, with other primary locations in Boulder, Colorado; Silver Spring, Maryland; and the Stennis Space Center in Hancock County, Mississippi.[16]
NOAA's six Regional Climate Services Directors, which are part of NCEI, represent the Eastern, Central, Southern, Pacific, Western, and Alaska regions. They work with a broad range of partners to provide climate information specific to each region.[17]
NCEI manages the Regional Climate Center Program,[18] which provides services through six regional offices:
- High Plains Regional Climate Center (Lincoln, Nebraska)
- Midwestern Regional Climate Center (Champaign, Illinois)
- Northeast Regional Climate Center (Ithaca, New York)
- Southeast Regional Climate Center (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)
- Southern Regional Climate Center (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
- Western Regional Climate Center (Reno, Nevada)
NCEI partners with academic and nonprofit institutions known as cooperative institutes to conduct research and perform tasks that support its mission and goals.[19] The cooperative institutes affiliated with NCEI are as follows:
- Cooperative Institute for Satellite Earth System Studies (CISESS)
- Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES)
- Northern Gulf Institute (NGI)
See also
- Earth System Research Laboratory
- Environmental data rescue
- National Snow and Ice Data Center
- NOAA Central Library
- Space Weather Prediction Center
References
- ^ "About". National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). January 27, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
- ^ "About". National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). January 27, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
- ^ "Regular Members-World Data System". ICSU WDS. Retrieved October 24, 2020.
- ^ "Day In, Day Out, NCEI Takes Data Seriously". National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). July 6, 2021. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
- ^ "NCEI: NOAA's Data Archive and More". National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). August 26, 2020. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
- ^ "Moving Science Forward". National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI). February 13, 2023. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
- ^ "Sectoral". NCEI. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
- ^ "Retail and Manufacturing". NCEI. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
- ^ "Adapt-N for Agriculture". NCEI. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
- ^ "Value of the Data Case Study: Reinsurance". NCEI. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
- ^ "Value of the Data: U.S. Drought Monitor". NCEI. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
- ^ "Quick Links". NCEI. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
- ^ "NOAA Climate and Weather Data Carry Weight in Transportation Sector". NCEI. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
- ^ "NOAA Data Help Land the Next Catch". NCEI. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
- ^ "Weather Data: Beyond the Forecast". NCEI. Retrieved October 26, 2020.
- ^ "NCEI Locations". NCEI. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
- ^ "Regional Climate Services Directors". NCEI. NCEI. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
- ^ "Regional Climate Centers". NCEI. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
- ^ "NCEI's Cooperative Institutes: Partners in Science". NCEI. Retrieved August 8, 2023.
External links
- National Centers for Environmental Information
- NCEI About Page
- NCEI Environmental Products page
- NCEI's Our Impact
- NCEI Locations
- NCEI/NOAA's Story Map Gallery
- NCEI's Data Archive and More
- The Value of NCEI Data: How NCEI Supports US Aviation
- NOAA NCEI Data Bolster Nation’s Transportation and Logistics Sector
- Weather Data: Beyond the Forecast, How NOAA NCEI Data Assist Businesses and Economy
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
