Numerical Weather Prediction

The Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) group conducts research related to numerical weather forecasting methods, e.g. within the framework of the international ACCORD consortium. The group also maintains a regional numerical forecasting system together with the National Meteorological Institutes of Norway, Sweden and Estonia. This system can be used to assess the development of the weather in Finland and in Northern Europe for about two days ahead. The calculations are used as an aid when issuing public forecasts as well as e.g. in specific forecasts for aviation, shipping and land transport. The numerical forecasts produced are also utilized when assessing air quality and the spread of air pollution. The regional system complements and refines global forecasts produced elsewhere.

Head: B.Sc. (Tech.) Niko Sokka, phone +358 29 539 3404

Meteorological Research Applications group

The Meteorological Research Applications group is responsible for research and development of meteorological methods that support weather services. The group develops research applications for various needs, such as better use of renewable energy sources, predicting the state of the environment and quality control of observations. The themes include road weather, post-processing and statistical methods as well as research related to wind and solar power. The group also participates in international development projects around the world, with the aim of improving the operations of national weather and climate services.

Head: Research Professor Marko Laine, phone +358 29 539 4669

Satellite and Radar Applications

The satellite and radar applications research group focuses on the estimation of various quantities describing the Earth’s surface and weather using a wide variety of satellite and radar observations. We study e.g. surface albedo, the surface radiative energy balance, snow (both before and after falling on the ground), and cloudiness. Our results are applicable to improving and validating numerical weather forecasts, as support to weather services, and in the research of Earth’s climate system, particularly for the polar cryospheres and the seasonal snow cover. We are very active participants in several international research projects, particularly under the auspices of the the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT).

Head: Research Professor Aku Riihelä, phone +358 29 539 4152

Polar Meteorology and Climatology

The Polar Meteorology and Climatology Group studies meteorology, ice, snow and the oceans in high-latitudes. The objectives are to better understand physical processes and intearctions in the climate system and to further develop methods for weather and climate modelling, including monthly to seasonal forecasting. The research in the group is based on field work in the Arctic and Antarctic, data analyses, and numerical modelling.

Head: Research Professor Timo Vihma, phone +358 29 539 4173