Observation bias correction with an ensemble Kalman filter

This paper evaluates a strategy for the assimilation of satellite radiance observations with the local ensemble transform Kalman filter (LETKF) data assimilation scheme. The assimilation strategy includes a mechanism to select the radiance observations that are assimilated at a given grid point and an ensemble-based observation bias-correction technique. Numerical experiments are carried out with a reduced (T62L28) resolution version of the model component of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Forecast System (GFS). The observations used for the evaluation of the assimilation strategy are AMSU-A level 1B brightness temperature data from the Earth Observing System (EOS) Aqua spacecraft. The assimilation of these observations, in addition to all operationally assimilated nonradiance observations, leads to a statistically significant improvement of both the temperature and wind analysis in the Southern Hemisphere. This result suggests that the LETKF, combined with the pro...

Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) parameterization schemes are employed to handle subgrid-scale processes on atmospheric models, playing a key role in accurately representing the atmosphere. Recent studies have shown that PBL schemes are particularly fundamental to the depiction of PBL height (PBLH), especially over the Amazon. In the present study, we investigated the performance of PBL schemes on the representation of meteorological variables, turbulent fluxes, PBL vertical structures, and PBLH over the central Amazon basin under dry conditions, taking advantage of observations from the Observations and Modeling of the Green Ocean Amazon campaign (GoAmazon2014/5) for validation and evaluation. Numerical experiments were carried out within the WRF model using eight PBL schemes for two dry periods from 2014 (typical year) and 2015 (El-Niño year), and results from the 1-km resolution domain were directly compared to hourly in situ observations. In general, all PBL schemes present good performance to reproduce meteorological variables, with nonlocal (local) PBL schemes producing better performance in the 2014 (2015) study period. All PBL schemes in general overestimate (>100%) daytime turbulent fluxes. Thermodynamic (daytime) vertical structures are better predicted than mechanical (nocturnal) ones. The local MYNN2.5 scheme showed the overall best performance for PBLH prediction, mainly at night.

The effect of latent heat of condensation on baroclinic instability process is studied using the model developed by Bonatti and Rao. This model includes the effect of latent heat of condensation as parameterized by Mak, a zonal wind profile that varies linearly with pressure, and a constant lapse rate of −6°C km−1. The effect of dissipative terms and vertical variation of heating on baroclinic instability with positive and negative zonal wind shears is studied. Dissipative terms and the type and intensity of heating change the selection of the most unstable wave. Viscosity and Newtonian cooling stabilize short waves. The characteristics of the most unstable wave obtained using a double maximum in the vertical distribution of heating and observed vertical profiles of zonal wind and temperature representative of the summer monsoon of India resemble those of observed monsoon depressions. The inclusion of dissipative effects makes the Green mode the most unstable wave. Abstract The effect of latent heat of condensation on baroclinic instability process is studied using the model developed by Bonatti and Rao. This model includes the effect of latent heat of condensation as parameterized by Mak, a zonal wind profile that varies linearly with pressure, and a constant lapse rate of −6°C km−1. The effect of dissipative terms and vertical variation of heating on baroclinic instability with positive and negative zonal wind shears is studied. Dissipative terms and the type and intensity of heating change the selection of the most unstable wave. Viscosity and Newtonian cooling stabilize short waves. The characteristics of the most unstable wave obtained using a double maximum in the vertical distribution of heating and observed vertical profiles of zonal wind and temperature representative of the summer monsoon of India resemble those of observed monsoon depressions. The inclusion of dissipative effects makes the Green mode the most unstable wave.

The definition and derivation of a 5-yr, 0.125°, 3-hourly atmospheric forcing dataset that is appropriate for use in a Land Data Assimilation System operating across South America is described. Because surface observations are limited in this region, many of the variables were taken from the South American Regional Reanalysis; however, remotely sensed data were merged with surface observations to calculate the precipitation and downward shortwave radiation fields. The quality of this dataset was evaluated against the surface observations available. There are regional differences in the biases for all variables in the dataset, with volumetric biases in precipitation of the order 0–1 mm day−1 and RMSE of 5–15 mm day−1, biases in surface solar radiation of the order 10 W m−2 and RMSE of 20 W m−2, positive biases in temperature typically between 0 and 4 K depending on the region, and positive biases in specific humidity around 2–3 g kg−1 in tropical regions and negative biases around 1–2 g kg−1 farther south.

Sea surface temperature (SST) is an essential climate variable used for ocean and weather monitoring and forecasting. The NOAA’s next generation geostationary satellite GOES-16 was declared operational at the east position (75°W) in December 2017, carrying onboard an Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI). The hyperspectral ABI sensor now allows SST estimates every 10–15 min at both day and nighttime, with advanced options for cloud screening and water vapor correction. In the present work, we compare the first operational ABI SST product (OSI SAF, 2018) with an in situ match-up database (MDB) across the Tropical and Southwestern Atlantic Ocean, off the Brazilian coast, throughout the year of 2018. The MDB was obtained from two long-term programs, i.e., PIRATA moored buoys (FOLTZ et al., 2016) and PNBoia moored and drifting buoys (MARINHA DO BRASIL, 2017). Separate comparisons were made for each data set, analyzing the uncertainties according to the program (i.e., buoy type and region), satellite SST quality level and influence of diurnal heating. We also compare the ABI product with the OSTIA analysis L4 SST (DONLON et al., 2012) to increment our analyses on the spatio-temporal biases within the study region. The results show that the OSI SAF ABI SST L3C has a mean bias (0.1 °C) and error (RMSE, 0.5 °C) within the GHRSST standards, with an exception being coastal waters off the southeast Brazilian coast (RMSE, 0.65 °C), which are subjected to sharp thermal fronts. The highest biases are for regions/seasons subjected to persistent cloud coverage and high water-vapor content, i.e., the Intertropical and South Atlantic Convergence Zones, as well as highly dynamic frontal zones, i.e., the Brazil Malvinas Confluence Zone, the Subtropical Front and coastal waters. The ABI SST product is suitable for operational use, and applications should explore more deeply the new set of information provided.