An Intercomparison of Hurricane Forecasts Using SSM/I and TRMM Rain Rate Algorithm(s)
Abstract
Three different Special Sensor Microwave Imager (SSM/I) rain rate algorithms are evaluated as a means of improving both the physical initialization and the hurricane forecast output of the Florida State University Global Spectral Model (FSU GSM). These SSM/I rain rate algorithms are known as Cal/Val, NESDIS, and GPROF 4.0. In addition, the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) TMI-2A12 rain rate algorithm is validated, and its impact on FSU GSM hurricane forecasts is also studied. Validation results of the Cal/Val rain rate algorithm show a bias toward gross underestimation. Both the NESDIS and GPROF 4.0 algorithms produce robust rain rates, in agreement with surface based observations. However, the NESDIS SSM/I rain rate algorithm proves to be the most consistent and accurate in this study. While the TRMM satellite has been described as vastly superior to the SSM/I platforms, this research has concluded the TRMM/TMI-2A12 rain rate algorithm is in need of modification. The impact of different magnitudes of rain on the FSU GSM is significant. This thesis has shown that the use of NESDIS SSM/I rain rates in the physical initialization of the FSU GSM provides the most accurate hurricane track forecasts. In addition, a small improvement in forecast hurricane wind intensity has been achieved. Finally, use of the GPROF algorithm yields a notable improvement in forecast minimum central pressure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 03, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA370585
Entities
People
- Robert T. Tibbetts
Organizations
- Florida State University