Operation and developments of the Whole-Atmosphere-Model at NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center

The coupled Whole Atmosphere Model - Ionosphere Plasmasphere Model (WAM-IPE) has been transitioned into operations at the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) in 2021. WAM is an extension of the NOAA National Weather Service (NWS) operational model and calculates Earth’s global three-dimensional, time-dependent, neutral atmosphere from the surface up to the thermosphere at 10^-7 hPa (400-600 km). WAM is coupled to the global ionosphere-plasmasphere electrodynamics (IPE) model which extends to several Earth radii. The model is providing a forecast of the neutral and plasma environment that impacts the GNSS positioning, global communications, and collision avoidance for space traffic management.

In this presentation, we describe the different Concept of Operations (CONOPS) which provide nowcast and forecast with WAM-IPE and the validation efforts. We discuss several developments based on the operational version of WAM, which includes the data-assimilation system for WAM and the high-resolution WAM-IPE. A recent testbed exercise targeted satellite operator and solicited feedback from operators and service providers which informs future developments.  We will conclude with the future plans to update WAM to the Finite-Volume Cubed-Sphere Dynamical Core (FV3) version.