Providing PRISM Climate Surface Maps for Inventory and Monitoring Networks
Project ID: J8W07090026
Federal Agency: National Park Service
Partner Institution: Oregon State University
Fiscal Year: 2009
Initial Funding: $19,500
Total Funding: $19,500
Project Type: Technical Assistance
Project Disciplines: Physical
National Park: Greater Yellowstone Network
Principal Investigator: Daly, Christopher
Agreement Technical Representative: Jean, Cathie
Abstract: Several National Park Service (NPS) Inventory and Monitoring networks rely on PRISM digital climate surface maps as covariate data in the evaluation and interpretation of vital signs status and trend reporting and/or directly in the use of annual climate reports. PRISM stands for “Parameter-elevation Regressions on Independent Slopes Model” and is a gridded climate dataset that uses climate point data from more than 6,000 individual weather stations, a digital elevation model, and other spatial data sets to generate gridded estimates of climate parameters across the lower 48 states. PRISM originally operated at 4 km resolution, and can now operate on a finer 800 m grid. NPS, as an end-user of PRISM data, has a need for the continuation of monthly updates and has been invited to participate in a group of end-users, the Surface Climate Mapping Consortium, to help guide short- and long-term use of surface climate data. The objectives of this project are three-fold: 1) to help develop a strategy and recommendations for meeting short- and long-term access to fine scale spatial climate data, 2) to provide guidance to the spatial mapping community to prioritize its research and development activities, and 3) to ensure timely access to monthly PRISM updates for use by the I&M networks.
Deliverables:
- High Elevation National Parks: 2010 Climate Summary Report (IRMA weblink)