Progress in Predictability Studies in China （2003-2006）

Since the last International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics General Assembly(2003),predictability studies in China have made significant progress.For dynamic forecasts,two novel approaches of conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation and nonlinear local Lyapunov exponents were proposed to cope with the predictability problems of weather and climate,which are superior to the corresponding linear theory.A possible mechanism for the"spring predictability barrier"phenomenon for the El Ni(?)o-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)was provided based on a theoretical model.To improve the forecast skill of an intermediate coupled ENSO model,a new initialization scheme was developed,and its applicability was illustrated by hindcast experiments.Using the reconstruction phase space theory and the spatio-temporal series predictive method, Chinese scientists also proposed a new approach to improve dynamical extended range(monthly)prediction and successfully applied it to the monthly-scale predictability of short-term climate variations.In statistical forecasts,it was found that the effects of sea surface temperature on precipitation in China have obvious spatial and temporal distribution features,and that summer precipitation patterns over east China are closely related to the northern atmospheric circulation.For ensemble forecasts,a new initial perturbation method was used to forecast heavy rain in Guangdong and Fujian Provinces on 8 June 1998.Additionally, the ensemble forecast approach was also used for the prediction of a tropical typhoons.A new downscaling model consisting of dynamical and statistical methods was provided to improve the prediction of the monthly mean precipitation.This new downsealing model showed a relatively higher score than the issued operational forecast.     

Applications of Conditional Nonlinear Optimal Perturbation in Predictability Study and Sensitivity Analysis of Weather and Climate

Considering the limitation of the linear theory of singular vector (SV), the authors and their collaborators proposed conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation (CNOP) and then applied it in the predictability study and the sensitivity analysis of weather and climate system. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Chinese National Committee for World Climate Research Programme (WCRP), this paper is devoted to reviewing the main results of these studies. First, CNOP represents the initial perturbation that has largest nonlinear evolution at prediction time, which is different from linear singular vector (LSV) for the large magnitude of initial perturbation or/and the long optimization time interval. Second, CNOP, rather than linear singular vector (LSV), represents the initial anomaly that evolves into ENSO events most probably. It is also the CNOP that induces the most prominent seasonal variation of error growth for ENSO predictability; furthermore, CNOP was applied to investigate the decadal variability of ENSO asymmetry. It is demonstrated that the changing nonlinearity causes the change of ENSO asymmetry. Third, in the studies of the sensitivity and stability of ocean’s thermohaline circulation (THC), the nonlinear asymmetric response of THC to finite amplitude of initial perturbations was revealed by CNOP. Through this approach the passive mechanism of decadal variation of THC was demonstrated; Also the authors studies the instability and sensitivity analysis of grassland ecosystem by using CNOP and show the mechanism of the transitions between the grassland and desert states. Finally, a detailed discussion on the results obtained by CNOP suggests the applicability of CNOP in predictability studies and sensitivity analysis.     

Review of the Study of Nonlinear Atmospheric Dynamics in China （1999-2002）

Researches on nonlinear atmospheric dynamics in China (1999-2002) are briefly surveyed. This review includes the major achievements in the following branches of nonlinear dynamics: nonlinear stability theory,nonlinear blocking dynamics, 3D spiral structure in the atmosphere, traveling wave solution of the nonlinear evolution equation, numerical predictability in a chaotic system, and global analysis of climate dynamics.Some applications of nonlinear methods such as hierarchy structure of climate and scaling invariance, the spatial-temporal series predictive method, the nonlinear inverse problem, and a new difference scheme with multi-time levels are also introduced.     

Progress in the Study of Nonlinear Atmospheric Dynamics and Predictability of Weather and Climate in China (2007--2011)

Recent progress in the study of nonlinear atmospheric dynamics and related predictability of weather and climate in China (2007-2011) are briefly introduced in this article. Major achievements in the study of nonlinear atmospheric dynamics have been classified into two types:(1) progress based on the analysis of solutions of simplified control equations, such as the dynamics of NAO, the optimal precursors for blocking onset, and the behavior of nonlinear waves, and (2) progress based on data analyses, such as the nonlinear analyses of fluctuations and recording-breaking temperature events, the long-range correlation of extreme events, and new methods of detecting abrupt dynamical change. Major achievements in the study of predictability include the following:(1) the application of nonlinear local Lyapunov exponents (NLLE) to weather and climate predictability; (2) the application of condition nonlinear optimal perturbation (CNOP) to the studies of El Nin o-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) predictions, ensemble forecasting, targeted observation, and sensitivity analysis of the ecosystem; and (3) new strategies proposed for predictability studies. The results of these studies have provided greater understanding of the dynamics and nonlinear mechanisms of atmospheric motion, and they represent new ideas for developing numerical models and improving the forecast skill of weather and climate events.     

数值预报误差订正技术中相似-动力方法的发展

Due to the increasing requirement for high-level weather and climate forecasting accuracy, it is necessary to exploit a strategy for model error correction while developing numerical modeling and data assimilation techniques. This study classifies the correction strategies according to the types of forecast errors, and reviews recent studies on these correction strategies. Among others, the analogue-dynamical method has been developed in China, which combines statistical methods with the dynamical model, corrects model errors based on analogue information, and effectively utilizes historical data in dynamical forecasts. In this study, the fundamental principles and technical solutions of the analogue-dynamical method and associated development history for forecasts on different timescales are introduced. It is shown that this method can effectively improve medium- and extended-range forecasts, monthly-average circulation forecast, and short-term climate prediction. As an innovative technique independently developed in China, the analogue- dynamical method plays an important role in both weather forecast and climate prediction, and has potential applications in wider fields.     

On the Application of a Genetic Algorithm to the Predictability Problems Involving "On-Off" Switches

The lower bound of maximum predictable time can be formulated into a constrained nonlinear opti- mization problem, and the traditional solutions to this problem are the filtering method and the conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation (CNOP) method. Usually, the CNOP method is implemented with the help of a gradient descent algorithm based on the adjoint method, which is named the ADJ-CNOP. However, with the increasing improvement of actual prediction models, more and more physical processes are taken into consideration in models in the form of parameterization, thus giving rise to the on-off switch problem, which tremendously affects the effectiveness of the conventional gradient descent algorithm based on the ad- joint method. In this study, we attempted to apply a genetic algorithm (GA) to the CNOP method, named GA-CNOP, to solve the predictability problems involving on-off switches. As the precision of the filtering method depends uniquely on the division of the constraint region, its results were taken as benchmarks, and a series of comparisons between the ADJ-CNOP and the GA-CNOP were performed for the modified Lorenz equation. Results show that the GA-CNOP can always determine the accurate lower bound of maximum predictable time, even in non-smooth cases, while the ADJ-CNOP, owing to the effect of on-off switches, often yields the incorrect lower bound of maximum predictable time. Therefore, in non-smooth cases, using GAs to solve predictability problems is more effective than using the conventional optimization algorithm based on gradients, as long as genetic operators in GAs are properly configured.     

Predicting Western Pacific Subtropical High Using a Combined Tropical Indian Ocean Sea Surface Temperature Forecast

Weather and climate in East China are closely related to the variability of the western Pacific subtropical high（WPSH）, which is an important part of the Asian monsoon system. The WPSH prediction in spring and summer is a critical component of rainfall forecasting during the summer flood season in China. Although many attempts have been made to predict WPSH variability, its predictability remains limited in practice due to the complexity of the WPSH evolution. Many studies have indicated that the sea surface temperature（SST） over the tropical Indian Ocean has a significant effect on WPSH variability. In this paper, a statistical model is developed to forecast the monthly variation in the WPSH during the spring and summer seasons on the basis of its relationship with SST over the tropical Indian Ocean. The forecasted SST over the tropical Indian Ocean is the predictor in this model, which differs significantly from other WPSH prediction methods. A 26-year independent hindcast experiment from 1983 to 2008 is conducted and validated in which the WPSH prediction driven by the combined forecasted SST is compared with that driven by the persisted SST. Results indicate that the skill score of the WPSH prediction driven by the combined forecasted SST is substantial.     

Recent Advances in China on the Predictability of Weather and Climate

This article summarizes the progress made in predictability studies of weather and climate in recent years in China, with a main focus on advances in methods to study error growth dynamics and reduce uncertainties in the forecasting of weather and climate. Specifically, it covers(a) advances in methods to study weather and climate predictability dynamics, especially those in nonlinear optimal perturbation methods associated with initial errors and model errors and their applications to ensemble ...     

CAUSATION ANALYSIS OF THE DIRECT CLIMATE EFFECTS OF ANTHROPOGENIC AEROSOL ON EAST-ASIAN SUMMER MONSOON

A regional climate model coupled with an aerosol model is employed to numerically simulate the direct climate effects of the anthropogenic aerosol emitted in South Asia and China in the East Asian summer monsoon during 1988 to 2009. Based on the data of the numerical simulation, composite analysis and correlation analysis are used to make diagnostic study of climate dynamics. Results show that the month of maximum emission of the mean column burden of the anthropogenic aerosol in the main emission areas of South Asia is opposite in phase to that in China. Summer is the season of maximum emission amount in China, but the emission amounts are more in South Asia in spring and winter. On the whole, the mean column burden of the anthropogenic aerosol in China is relatively high compared with that in South Asia. The trend of distribution of aerosol is SW-NE in China, and Sichuan Basin is the emission center of aerosol. The effect of negative short wave radiative forcing alters the gradient of pressure between land and sea, weakening the development of East Asian summer monsoon over the northern part of Yangtze-Huaihe River Basin. We also discuss the feedback effect of East-Asian summer monsoon which is changed by the anthropogenic aerosol on the concentration and distribution of aerosol in China.     

Dynamical Predictability of Leading Interannual Variability Modes of the Asian-Australian Monsoon in Climate Models

The dynamical prediction of the Asian-Australian monsoon(AAM) has been an important and long-standing issue in climate science. In this study, the predictability of the first two leading modes of the AAM is studied using retrospective prediction datasets from the seasonal forecasting models in four operational centers worldwide. Results show that the model predictability of the leading AAM modes is sensitive to how they are defined in different seasonal sequences, especially for the second mode....     

中国地区夏季6～8月云水含量的垂直分布特征

基于观测资料的夏季云水含量时空分布情况对于数值天气预报、气候预测以及人工影响天气试验都十分重要。本文利用CloudSat卫星资料, 分析了2006～2008年中国地区夏季月平均云水含量的垂直和区域变化特征。结果显示, 青藏高原地形以及东亚夏季风对月平均云含水量分布具有明显影响。中国中部纬度上对流层中层的月平均液态水含量比南部及北部的量值大。各月平均云液水含量垂直廓线存在两个不同高度上的峰值区, 原因可能主要是受大尺度参数的控制, 以及受到青藏高原和东亚季风环流的影响。平均冰水含量纬向垂直分布的高值区主要在对流层中上部。本文中所揭示的云水含量特征为天气和气候模式改进、人工影响天气及云—辐射相互作用提供了重要的基础信息。     

数值天气预报和气候预测的可预报性问题

考察由初始状态误差和模式中参数误差所引起的预报结果的不确定性。提出了数值天气预报与气候预测中三类可预报性问题，即，最大可预报时间，最大预报误差，初值与参数的最大允许误差。然后将这三类问题化成了对应的非线性优化问题，给出了处理此类非线性优化问题的思路，并且有数值方法对Lorenz模型研究了这三类问题。     

月尺度气温可预报性对资料长度的依赖及可信度

利用全国518个站1960—2011年逐日气温观测资料和160个站1983—2012年月尺度气温客观预测数据,基于非线性局部Lyapunov指数和非线性误差增长理论,研究中国区域月尺度气温可预报性期限对资料序列长度的依赖性。结果表明:气温可预报性期限对资料序列的长度有一定程度的依赖性,在西北、东北及华中地区尤为明显。平均而言,45年的资料序列长度才能够得到稳定合理的可预报性期限。为了验证气温可预报期限计算结果的可信度,将月尺度气温的可预报性期限与客观气候预测方法的预报评分技巧进行对比,发现两者结果非常一致。其中,由观测资料得到的1月气温的可预报性期限明显低于7月,1月客观气候预测方法的预报评分技巧也明显低于7月,且1月 (7月) 预报评分的空间分布型与1月 (7月) 气温可预报性期限的空间分布型较为一致。因此,利用非线性局部Lyapunov指数和台站逐日观测资料分析气温的可预报性期限结果是可信的。     

一种基于可预报性的暴雨预报评分新方法Ⅰ:中国暴雨可预报性综合指数

针对当前暴雨预报检验采用二分类事件检验方法存在的双重惩罚导致评分过低,没有考虑到中国暴雨可预报性时、空分布不均,不便于对比分析不同区域暴雨预报能力差异等问题,为了发展基于可预报性的新型暴雨预报评分方法,在综合分析影响预报员暴雨预报信心的主要因素（暴雨气候统计特征、天气影响系统运动尺度特征及数值模式预报能力等）基础上,利用2008—2016年4—10月中国国家气象信息中心5 km×5 km分辨率的多源降水融合格点分析资料、站点降水观测资料和中国国家级业务区域模式降水预报资料以及扩展空间暴雨样本统计方法,构建了一种新型的中国暴雨可预报性综合指数（Synthetic Predictability Index of Heavy Rainfall,以下简称SPI）数学模型,以定量描述中国各区域的暴雨可预报性特征。SPI数学模型由暴雨气候频率、暴雨面积比率和模式暴雨预报成功指数（Threat Score,TS）3个分量组成,计算了2008—2016年4—10月SPI的3个分量及其时、空变化特征。分析结果显示:暴雨面积比率对SPI的时间和空间变化影响最大,两者偏相关系数大于0.9;其次是暴雨气候频率的影响,两者偏相关系数值为0.8左右;第三是模式暴雨预报TS评分的影响,两者的偏相关系数为0.7左右。分析还发现,SPI大值区随季节而变化,空间分布不均匀:4—5月,可预报性大值区主要分布在华南地区;6—7月,主要分布在江淮流域;7月中旬至8月,大值中心从江淮北部移到华北和东北地区;9月,副热带高压南撤,大值中心也相应南撤。      

基于EMD方法的观测数据信息提取与预测研究

用统计方法作月、季尺度的短期气候乃至年际尺度的长期气候预测是当前气候预测业务的主要依据,在短时间内这种情况仍然不可能彻底改变。虽然数值预报模式的预测能力达到了7 d的时效,不过要积分到月、季尺度并实现短期气候预测还面临着重重困难。其根本原因是气候系统的混沌分量和非线性/非平稳性等因素在起作用。而现有气候预测的统计方法(主要包括经验统计、数理统计和物理统计等方法)的数学基础却忽略了这些特点,这是因为以现有的科学水平人们不得不假设时间序列是线性和平稳的。实际气候观测序列普遍具有层次性、非线性和非平稳性,这给建立预测方法带来了极大困难。文中构建了一个新的预测模型,即首先利用经验模态分解(em-pirical mode decomposition,EMD)方法将气候序列作平稳化处理,得到一系列平稳分量-本征模函数(intrinsic modefunction,IMF);其次,利用均生函数(mean generate function,MGF)模型获得各分量的初次预测值;最后,在最优子集回归(optimal subset regression,OSR)模型的基础上,通过直接或逐步拟合一部分预测值,构建两种预测方案达到提高预测能力的目的。典型气候序列的预测试验结果表明,具有平稳化的IMF分量,尤其是特征IMF分量有较高的可预测性,它对原序列趋势的预测有重要指示意义。大力开展气候系统机理和气候层次的研究,并建立相应的气候模式是未来发展趋势。该文是这方面的一个初步尝试,相信该模型能为气候预测(评估)开辟一条新的有效途径。     

季度预测研究回顾

对月平均大气环流预报试验、季度预测和中国汛期降水预测进行了总结。结果表明气候预测的对象必须是要素的时间平均场。利用数值模拟进行气候预测是今后的主要发展方向,而季度预测技巧的提高依赖于对物理参数化和物理机制的研究。最后,讨论了季平均气温和季总降水的可预报性问题,即时效性和准确率。     

基于EEMD的黄河中上游夏季降水预报方法的研究

传统的统计方法难以很好的对气候系统这一集非线性、非平稳性为一身的多层次系统进行处理。因此集层次化处理和平稳化处理的集合正交经验模态分解技术(EEMD)的提出,为解决上述问题提供了有效的途径。本文选取黄河中上游24个气象观测站的逐月降水资料,结合组合预报和集合预报思路,基于EEMD建立了统计预报模型。其中对降水序列中的高频部分进行了二次平稳化处理,实现对2008—2013年6—8月的降水预报,并用预报评分检测预报效果。结果表明:EEMD模型对黄河中上游夏季降水有着较强的预报能力,在该区域与气候模式和传统的统计方法相比具有更高的精度和更好的应用前景。