The National Climatic Data Center (NCDC) is a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) of the United States. It serves as the world's largest archive of weather and climate data, providing comprehensive and accurate information on past and present weather patterns, climatic trends, and climate change phenomena.
The primary function of the NCDC is to collect, manage, and distribute a vast array of weather and climate data. It gathers data from various sources including weather monitoring stations, satellites, ships, aircraft, and buoys. This data encompasses a wide range of meteorological parameters such as temperature, precipitation, wind speed, atmospheric pressure, and more.
In addition to data collection, the NCDC maintains an extensive climate database with historical records dating back over a century. This valuable resource allows scientists, researchers, and policymakers to study long-term climate patterns, monitor climate variations and trends, and investigate the impacts of climate change.
The NCDC plays a crucial role in climate research and understanding, providing access to high-quality data to both domestic and international communities. It offers numerous services and products including climate reports, maps, analyses, and climate monitoring tools. These resources assist in areas such as agriculture, transportation, water resource management, energy planning, and disaster preparedness and response. Moreover, the NCDC collaborates with other institutions and organizations globally to enhance international cooperation and promote standardized data protocols.
Overall, the National Climatic Data Center is an indispensable source of meteorological and climatological information, contributing to advancements in scientific knowledge, climate monitoring, and informed decision-making that is reliant on accurate weather and climate data.
