A graphical workstation for use of the UNIDATA system to receive and process meteorological data at the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography will be acquired. UNIDATA is the NSF-subsidized system allowing university departments access to real-time weather data, forecasts and specialized satellite images. Data transmitted via satellite are ingested and decoded by networked computers; they may be stored or used in displays, in diagnostic calculations or perhaps in experimental forecasts. At URI the required satellite receiving gear is in place and has been in stable operation for four years. The workstation acquired would augment the Educational Computer Laboratory, which presently has microcomputers and workstations on a local area network. The UNIDATA software will be installed and used in display analysis and archive meteorological data for the purpose of teaching and research for strongly interdisciplinary programs. Those studying atmospheric chemistry, physical oceanography and paleoclimatology are likely to benefit most from the augmented laboratory facilities. Dedicated computers in laboratories across campus can access the local network, and the system will also be used in these research environments. An example of such use is control or monitoring of conditions for the planning or conduct of field experiments.
