The next generation GOES satellites (beginning with GOES-R) will include an Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) and Hyperspectral      Environmental Suite (HES) with vastly improved spectral, spatial and temporal resolution relative to the current GOES I-M series satellites. The GOES-R era will begin early in the next decade, and will be part of a global observing system that includes polar orbiting satellites with instruments with comparable spatial and spectral resolution. This science study will use numerical simulations and existing in situ and satellite data to better understand the capabilities of these advanced instruments. This science study will help to reduce the time needed to fully utilize GOES-R as soon as possible after launch. A similar approach is being used for NPOESS, with initial emphasis on the Visible Infrared Imager Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) and Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) instruments.  Case studies of tropical cyclones, lake effect snow events, and severe weather outbreaks will be analyzed using numerical simulations and currently available data.