Data management in the 'ARAC' emergency response system

The emergency management operational history of the Atmospheric Release Advisory Capability (ARAC) program is described, and its concept of operations, its applicability for use in support of emergency management decision makers with an emphasis on the data management aspects are discussed. The functions of this centralized US federal funded program is to assess atmospheric releases of hazardous materials in real time, using a robust suite of three-dimensional atmospheric transport and diffusion models, extensive geophysical and source-description databases, automated meteorological data acquisition systems, and experienced staff members. ARAC represents a proven, validated, operational support capability for atmospheric hazardous releases. (author)