Justification:
For more than three decades, Chris has been an active research meteorologist who has made significant contributions to our ability to understand atmospheric processes using satellite observations, in particular hurricane processes as needed to improve weather forecasting. Chris is a national and international leader in using satellite observations to better understand hurricane processes. Among his accomplishments, he is noted for his unique contributions to the development of the Advanced Dvorak Technique (ADT). The technique estimates hurricane intensity by building on a basic conceptual model and empirically derived rules of satellite image interpretation, but advances the science and applicability in an automated environment that does not require human intervention. The ADT is the culmination of a body of research he developed at the University of Wisconsin---Madison's Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies. The ADT has become one of the operational tools that NHC specialists now employ in their routine analysis of hurricanes.
Chris is nationally and internationally known for both his research accomplishments and his program leadership. He leads a globally-recognized Tropical Cyclones (TC) group at the University of Wisconsin, which has been providing the weather community with important tropical cyclone-related satellite information and products for over two decades. Launched in 1994, their very popular web site (http://tropic.ssec.wisc.edu/) was the first on the Internet to start providing real-time satellite imagery during hurricane season and is celebrating its 20th year of expanded service to the community. Recent tropical cyclones Sandy and Haiyan were stark reminders of the need and benefit of the satellite imagery provided on the TC website, with upwards of 4 million hits/day, and countless requests from the media and the public for both information and graphics to help tell the stories.
Over the years, the Velden's TC group has worked with its operational partners such as the National Hurricane Center and the Joint Typhoon Weather Center, as well as many international TC analysis centers, to develop and deliver state-of-the-art satellite-based tools to help monitor storms and deliver better forecasts. The TC research community utilizes many of the products derived from these research algorithms to further their own research initiatives, collaborations, and to educate students.
Citation:
For outstanding scientific contributions to satellite observations of tropical cyclones and winds
A brief description of how Chris was nominated and vetted by our committee
The nomination for Chris Velden, along with the names of two other nominees, was offered by a committee member during a SatMOC committee meeting. All nominees were ranked, and Chris’ nomination received the highest ranking of all nominees. His nomination was subsequently unanimously approved by all committee members.