Satellite Enhanced Numerical Weather Prediction
Abstract
We have made substantial progress in areas related to improving NWP, especially the analysis and forecast of moisture and cloudiness, through spaceborne observing systems. We have: developed, implemented and evaluated techniques for retrieving geophysical parameters from satellite observations for use in NWP; tested the impact of these data and data from other sources in a series of observing system experiments (OSEs); developed and applied a comprehensive data simulation methodology; and conducted a series of observing system simulation experiments to evaluate the impact of new observing systems. Work in techniques development focused on retrieving relative humidity profiles from 3 distinct sources: the civilian infrared sounder (TOVS), the operational nephanalysis (3DNEPH) and the DMSP microwave sounder (SSM/T-1,2). The real data sources, TOVS and 3DNEPH, provided only marginally useful data, while in simulation, the SSM/T retrievals were significantly useful. A series of real data OSEs was conducted to measure the impact of retrieved humidity profile data as well as the impact of other satellite data. Two data denial experiments examined the effect of using limited surface-based data or of using satellite observations only. Such data systems are clearly inferior to the full operational system.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 11, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA210108
Entities
People
- J. F. Louis
- M. Mickelson
- R. Isaacs
- R. N. Hoffman
- T. Nehrkorn
Organizations
- Atmospheric and Environmental Research, Inc