NOAA
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is a scientific agency within the United States Department of Commerce. It focuses on the conditions of the oceans, major waterways, and the atmosphere. Established in 1970, NOAA plays a key role in understanding and managing the environment and natural resources.
Here are some of NOAA's primary functions and areas of responsibility:
Weather Forecasting and Warnings: NOAA's National Weather Service (NWS) provides weather forecasts, warnings for severe weather, and other weather-related information to ensure the safety of the public and the protection of property.
Climate Research: NOAA conducts research on climate trends and changes. This includes monitoring atmospheric conditions, studying long-term climate patterns, and providing data that can be used to make predictions about future climate conditions.
Marine and Coastal Resource Management: NOAA manages marine fisheries, protects marine habitats, and works to sustain populations of various marine species. The organization is involved in the conservation and management of marine and coastal ecosystems.
Ocean Exploration: NOAA is involved in exploring the world's oceans, mapping the seafloor, and discovering marine life and underwater geological formations. This contributes to our understanding of oceanic processes and marine biodiversity.
Environmental Monitoring: NOAA operates a network of satellites and observation systems to monitor environmental conditions on Earth. This network provides critical data for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and the study of natural phenomena.
Research and Education: NOAA conducts and supports research to enhance our understanding of environmental issues. It also offers educational programs and resources to promote environmental literacy and encourage careers in science and technology.
Emergency Response: NOAA provides essential data and services during natural disasters and emergencies such as hurricanes, tsunamis, and oil spills, offering guidance and support for response and recovery efforts.
NOAA's work is critical for disaster preparedness, environmental conservation, and scientific research, influencing a wide range of sectors including agriculture, transportation, commerce, and public health.
NOAA's headquarters is located in Silver Spring, Maryland, but it has numerous laboratories, research facilities, and operational centers across the United States and its territories. NOAA partners with other government agencies, international organizations, and private sector entities to achieve its mission and objectives.
government
- Phone: 206.553.5749
- Web: www.noaa.gov
- Fax: 206.553.4340
Locations
NOAA News
NOAA Fisheries Special Agents Assist In Disaster Investigation
At the request of the U.S. Marshals Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation, special agents from the Office for Law Enforcement (OLE) are engaged in the investigation…
NOAA Adds Vector Charts in Agreement with Maptech
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Maptech, Inc. have successfully negotiated an expansion of their existing Cooperative Research and…
NOAA Adds Vector Charts in Agreement with Maptech
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Maptech, Inc. have successfully negotiated an expansion of their existing Cooperative Research and…
NOAA Presents Excellence Awards
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has announced this year's recipients of the Walter B. Jones Memorial and NOAA Excellence Awards for Coastal and Ocean Resource Management.
NOAA Ship Surveying Hudson River
NOAA ship Rude - the hydrographic survey ship that located the wreckage of John F. Kennedy Jr.'s aircraft on the sea floor - was in New York through Oct. 17 to survey the Hudson River…
Congressional Report Will Help NOAA Fisheries Resolve Overcapitalization
A NOAA-funded independent report analyzing U.S. fishing subsidies should play a strong role in efforts to right-size the U.S. fishing fleet, said NOAA. The report…
NOAA Announces River Forecast Initiative
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has announced the expanded implementation of its newest river forecasting system, the Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service (AHPS).
NOAA Releases New Poster of Lake Ontario Floor
A new color poster depicting features on the floor of Lake Ontario has been released by the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
NOAA Releases New Poster of Lake Ontario Floor
A new color poster depicting features on the floor of Lake Ontario has been released by the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
NOAA Announces FY 01 Budget Request
budget. In the year when NOAA is celebrating it's 30th anniversary, the requested increase will allow the agency to continue a mission critical to all Americans…
NOAA Electronic Charts Updates
launched an electronic chart update service via its Nautical Charts Internet site. Mariners, and Canadian Coast Guard Notice to Mariners. navigation, and other…
NOAA begins E Distribution of Nav Data
navigation and related data on the Internet. have been available on the Internet for several years. Soon, the U.S. Coast Pilot, tide and current tables, and other data will be available. 68 Fed. Reg.
NOAA to Christen New Research Vessel
NOAA's Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary will christen its new research vessel on May 12. sanctuary use. emerging management issues. Frank Kelly, Santa Barbara…
Hill Receives NOAA Hero Environmental Award
Marvin O. Virginia. at the Elkins' fire station. environment." Mr. of life and property in and around Randolph County, West Virginia. volunteers, and many other…
NOAA Seeks Coastal Heroes
The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking nominations for the 2002 Walter B. Jones Memorial and for NOAA Excellence Awards for Coastal and Ocean Resource Management.
Todd Shipyards to Overhaul NOAA Vessel
Todd Shipyards Corporation announced that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded to its wholly owned subsidiary, Todd Pacific Shipyards Corporation…
NOAA to Evaluate and Assess Region
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An aerial image of south Plaquemines Parish, La., near Empire, Buras and Boothville, where Hurricane Katrina made landfall on August 29, 2005 as a Category Four hurricane with maximum winds estimated at 140 mph to the east of the center. The NOAA Office of Response and Restoration and Damage Assessment Center is deploying NOAA scientists and other specialists—in coordination with federal, state and…
NOAA Aerial Mapping Assists Katrina Clean Up
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The NOAA Office of Response and Restoration is working closely with FEMA and the U.S. Coast Guard in coordinating the response to hazardous materials in the flood waters of New Orleans and with the continuing search and rescue mission in response to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. One of the innovative technologies being applied is combining LIDAR (airborne laser used to measure topography) and aerial satellite imagery to create aerial maps of the region.
NOAA Assists in Waterway Clean Up
Less than two weeks after Katrina made landfall, ports along the Gulf coast and channels on the Mississippi River are once again navigational and safe for ship traffic.
NOAA Lead the Way to Clear Waters
Less than two weeks after Katrina made landfall, ports along the Gulf coast and channels on the Mississippi River are once again navigational and safe for ship traffic.