Four-dimensional variational data assimilation experiments for a heavy rain case during the 2002 IOP in China

A heavy rainfall event along the mei-yu front during 22-23 June 2002 was chosen for this study. To assess the impact of the routine and additional IOP (intensive observation period) radiosonde observations on the mesoscale heavy rainfall forecast, a series of four-dimensional variational (4DVAR) data assimilation and model simulation experiments was conducted using nonhydrostatic mesoscale model MM5 and the MM5 4DVAR system. The effects of the intensive observations in the different areas on the heavy rainfall forecast were also investigated. The results showed that improvement of the forecast skill for mesoscale heavy rainfall intensity was possible from the assimilation of the IOP radiosonde observations. However,the impact of the IOP observations on the forecast of the rainfall pattern was not significant. Initial conditions obtained through the 4DVAR experiments with a 12-h assimilation window were capable of improving the 24-h forecast. The simulated results after the assimilation showed that it would be best to perform the intensive radiosonde observations in the upstream of the rainfall area and in the moisture passageway area at the same time. Initial conditions created by the 4DVAR led to the low-level moisture convergence over the rainfall area, enhanced frontogenesis and upward motion within the mei-yu front,and intensified middle- and high-level unstable stratification in front of the mei-yu front. Consequently,the heavy rainfall forecast was improved.     

Variational Assimilation of GPS Precipitable Water Vapor and Hourly Rainfall Observations for a Meso-β Scale Heavy Precipitation Event During the 2002 Mei-Yu Season

Recent advances in Global Positioning System （GPS） remote sensing technology allow for a direct estimation of the precipitable water vapor （PWV） from delayed signals transmitted by GPS satellites, which can be assimilated into numerical models with four-dimensional variational （4DVAR） data assimilation. A mesoscale model and its 4DVAR system are used to access the impacts of assimilating GPS-PWV and hourly rainfall observations on the short-range prediction of a heavy rainfall event on 20 June 2002. The heavy precipitation was induced by a sequence of meso-β-scale convective systems （MCS） along the mei-yu front in China. The experiments with GPS-PWV assimilation cluster and also eliminated the erroneous rainfall successfully simulated the evolution of the observed MCS systems found in the experiment without 4DVAR assimilation. Experiments with hourly rainfall assimilation performed similarly both on the prediction of MCS initiation and the elimination of erroneous systems, however the MCS dissipated much sooner than it did in observations. It is found that the assimilation-induced moisture perturbation and mesoscale low-level jet are helpful for the MCS generation and development. It is also discovered that spurious gravity waves may post serious limitations for the current 4DVAR algorithm, which would degrade the assimilation efficiency, especially for rainfall data. Sensitivity experiments with different observations, assimilation windows and observation weightings suggest that assimilating GPS-PWV can be quite effective, even with the assimilation window as short as 1 h. On the other hand, assimilating rainfall observations requires extreme cautions on the selection of observation weightings and the control of spurious gravity waves.     

Variational Assimilation of GPS Precipitable Water Vapor and Hourly Rainfall Observations for a Meso-β Scale Heavy Precipitation Event During the 2002 Mei-Yu Season

Recent advances in Global Positioning System (GPS) remote sensing technology allow for a direct estimation of the precipitable water vapor (PWV) from delayed signals transmitted by GPS satellites, which can be assimilated into numerical models with four-dimensional variational (4DVAR) data assimilation. A mesoscale model and its 4DVAR system are used to access the impacts of assimilating GPS-PWV and hourly rainfall observations on the short-range prediction of a heavy rainfall event on 20 June 2002. The heavy precipitation was induced by a sequence of meso-β-scale convective systems (MCS) along the mei-yu front in China.The experiments with GPS-PWV assimilation successfully simulated the evolution of the observed MCS cluster and also eliminated the erroneous rainfall systems found in the experiment without 4DVAR assimilation. Experiments with hourly rainfall assimilation performed similarly both on the prediction of MCS initiation and the elimination of erroneous systems, however the MCS dissipated much sooner than it did in observations. It is found that the assimilation-induced moisture perturbation and mesoscale low-level jet are helpful for the MCS generation and development. It is also discovered that spurious gravity waves may post serious limitations for the current 4DVAR algorithm, which would degrade the assimilation efficiency, especially for rainfall data. Sensitivity experiments with different observations, assimilation windows and observation weightings suggest that assimilating GPS-PWV can be quite effective, even with the assimilation window as short as 1 h. On the other hand, assimilating rainfall observations requires extreme cautions on the selection of observation weightings and the control of spurious gravity waves.     

Impact of 4DVAR Assimilation of Rainfall Data on the Simulation of Mesoscale Precipitation Systems in a Mei-yu Heavy Rainfall Event

The multi-scale weather systems associated with a mei-yu front and the corresponding heavy precipitation during a particular heavy rainfall event that occurred on 4 5 July 2003 in east China were successfully simulated through rainfall assimilation using the PSU/NCAR non-hydrostatic, mesoscale, numerical model （MM5） and its four-dimensional, variational, data assimilation （4DVAR） system. For this case, the improvement of the process via the 4DVAR rainfall assimilation into the simulation of mesoscale precipitation systems is investigated. With the rainfall assimilation, the convection is triggered at the right location and time, and the evolution and spatial distribution of the mesoscale convective systems （MCSs） are also more correctly simulated. Through the interactions between MCSs and the weather systems at different scales, including the low-level jet and mei-yu front, the simulation of the entire mei-yu weather system is significantly improved, both during the data assimilation window and the subsequent 12-h period. The results suggest that the rainfall assimilation first provides positive impact at the convective scale and the influences are then propagated upscale to the meso- and sub-synoptic scales.
Through a set of sensitive experiments designed to evaluate the impact of different initial variables on the simulation of mei-yu heavy rainfall, it was found that the moisture field and meridional wind had the strongest effect during the convection initialization stage, however, after the convection was fully triggered, all of the variables at the initial condition seemed to have comparable importance.     

多普勒雷达风廓线的反演及变分同化试验

为了将雷达风场资料更好地应用到数值预报模式中, 使用VAD方法反演多普勒雷达风廓线并处理成标准的探空资料进行变分同化试验。结果表明: VAD方法反演的风廓线与探空实况对应较好, 验证了用VAD技术反演风廓线的可行性。用GRAPES-Meso模式的三维变分同化系统对雷达风廓线资料进行同化后, 风场的初始场明显改善, 降水强度和落区预报也有不同程度的改善。其中, 对6 h降水预报的改善明显优于对24 h的预报改善。另外, 在短时强降水预报中, 雷达风场资料的同化频率和同化窗口的不同, 对降水预报的改善情况也有所差异。在个例研究中, 同化间隔为1 h的方案6 h降水预报要优于同化间隔为3 h和6 h的方案, 同化窗口为3 h的试验方案6 h降水预报要好于同化窗口为6 h的试验方案。     

复杂地形下地面观测资料同化I. 模式地形与观测站地形高度差异对地面资料同化的影响研究

中国地形复杂，模式地形与实际观测地形存在一定高度差异，因此设计合理的复杂地形下地面观测资料的同化方案有利于使我国目前仅用作探测手段的地面观测资料（常规地面观测站和地面自动站）在中尺度数值模式中得到充分利用。作者在MM5_3DVAR同化系统中利用近地层相似理论将地面观测资料进行直接三维变分同化分析，并对地面资料同化方案设计中是否需要考虑模式与实际观测站地形高度差异进行探讨研究。研究结果表明：通过近地层相似理论将地面观测资料同化到数值模式能起到一定的作用，并且地面观测资料（温度、 湿度、 风场、 地面气压）中各物理量同化到数值模式都能影响24小时降水数值结果，但各物理量起的作用大小不一样，其中影响最大的是温度，其次为湿度；地面观测资料同化方案设计有必要考虑模式地形与实际观测站地形高度差异，适当考虑这种高度差异能取得较好的结果。     

降水资料同化在GRAPES-MESO模式中应用试验研究

利用国家气象中心中尺度业务数值预报模式GRAPES-MESO v3.0,以2010年6月1～30日为例,开展地面降水率1DVAR(one-dimensional variational assimilation)同化方案在GRAPES-3DVAR(three-dimensional variational assimilation)同化系统中的应用试验研究(ASSI试验),并以未加降水资料同化的试验为对照试验(CNTL试验),以评估全国1h加密雨量资料在模式中同化应用的效果。结果表明:1)在相对湿度背景误差和降水率观测误差范围内,1DVAR同化方案能够对湿度廓线进行有意义的调整,使分析降水向观测降水靠近;ASSI试验对初始温、压、湿、风场的修正主要为正效果;2)对2010年6月17～21日江南、华南连续性降水过程进行了分析,整体而言ASSI试验对逐日及逐时降水强度的预报普遍强于CNTL试验,与实况更加接近;3)ASSI试验对2010年6月1～30日08时起报的0～24 h模式预报的小雨、中雨、大雨、暴雨、大暴雨各个降水量级TS评分及ETS评分相比CNTL试验均有较明显提高,预报偏差也更接近于1;4)ASSI试验较CNTL试验能更好地模拟雨带的分布、雨带演变特征和降水强度的变化;5)对降水所做的典型个例和统计检验分析从不同角度说明了地面降水资料1DVAR同化方案在GRAPES-3DVAR系统中的应用改善了GRAPES-MESO v3.0的降水模拟效果。     

Analysis and very short range forecast of cyclone “AILA” with radar data assimilation with rapid intermittent cycle using ARPS 3DVAR and cloud analysis techniques

In this study, both reflectivity and radial velocity are assimilated into the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model using ARPS 3DVAR technique and cloud analysis procedure for analysis and very short range forecast of cyclone ÁILA. Doppler weather radar (DWR) data from Kolkata radar are assimilated for numerical simulation of landfalling tropical cyclone. Results show that the structure of cyclone AILA has significantly improved when radar data is assimilated. Radar reflectivity data assimilation has strong influence on hydrometeor structures of the initial vortex and precipitation pattern and relatively less influence is observed on the wind fields. Divergence/convergence conditions over cyclone inner-core area in the low-to-middle troposphere (600–900 hPa) are significantly improved when wind data are assimilated. However, less impact is observed on the moisture field. Analysed minimum sea level pressure (SLP) is improved significantly when both reflectivity and wind data assimilated simultaneously (RAD-ZVr experiment), using ARPS 3DVAR technique. In this experiment, the centre of cyclone is relocated very close to the observed position and the system maintains its intensity for longer duration. As compared to other experiments track errors are much reduced and predicted track is very much closer to the best track in RAD-ZVr experiment. Rainfall pattern and amount of rainfall are better captured in this experiment. The study also reveals that cyclone structure, intensification, direction of movement, speed and location of cyclone are significantly improved and different stages of system are best captured when both radar reflectivity and wind data are assimilated using ARPS 3DVAR technique and cloud analysis procedure. Thus optimal impact of radar data is realized in RAD-ZVr experiment. The impact of DWR data reduces after 12 h forecast and it is due to the dominance of the flow from large-scale global forecast system model. Successful coupling of data assimilation package ARPS 3DVAR with WRF model for Indian DWR data is also demonstrated.     

ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF 3DVAR AND ENSRF DIRECT ASSIMILATION OF RADAR DATA ON THE FORECAST OF A HEAVY RAINFALL EVENT

The present study designs experiments on the direct assimilation of radial velocity and reflectivity data collected by an S-band Doppler weather radar (CINRAD WSR-98D) at the Hefei Station and the reanalysis data produced by the United States National Centers for Environmental Prediction using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, the WRF model with a three-dimensional variational (3DVAR) data assimilation system and the WRF model with an ensemble square root filter (EnSRF) data assimilation system. In addition, the present study analyzes a Meiyu front heavy rainfall process that occurred in the Yangtze -Huaihe River Basin from July 4 to July 5, 2003, through numerical simulation. The results show the following. (1) The assimilation of the radar radial velocity data can increase the perturbations in the low-altitude atmosphere over the heavy rainfall region, enhance the convective activities and reduce excessive simulated precipitation. (2) The 3DVAR assimilation method significantly adjusts the horizontal wind field. The assimilation of the reflectivity data improves the microphysical quantities and dynamic fields in the model. In addition, the assimilation of the radial velocity and reflectivity data can better adjust the wind fields and improve the intensity and location of the simulated radar echo bands. (3) The EnSRF assimilation method can assimilate more small-scale wind field information into the model. The assimilation of the reflectivity data alone can relatively accurately forecast the rainfall centers. In addition, the assimilation of the radial velocity and reflectivity data can improve the location of the simulated radar echo bands. (4) The use of the 3DVAR and EnSRF assimilation methods to assimilate the radar radial velocity and reflectivity data can improve the forecast of precipitation, rain-band areal coverage and the center location and intensity of precipitation.     

Observation and Numerical Simulations with Radar and Surface Data Assimilation for Heavy Rainfall over Central Korea

This study investigated the impact of multiple-Doppler radar data and surface data assimilation on forecasts of heavy rainfall over the central Korean Peninsula;the Weather Research and Forecasting(WRF) model and its three-dimensional variational data assimilation system(3DVAR) were used for this purpose. During data assimilation,the WRF 3DVAR cycling mode with incremental analysis updates(IAU) was used. A maximum rainfall of 335.0 mm occurred during a 12-h period from 2100 UTC 11 July 2006 to 0900 UTC 12 July 2006.Doppler radar data showed that the heavy rainfall was due to the back-building formation of mesoscale convective systems(MCSs).New convective cells were continuously formed in the upstream region,which was characterized by a strong southwesterly low-level jet(LLJ).The LLJ also facilitated strong convergence due to horizontal wind shear,which resulted in maintenance of the storms.The assimilation of both multiple-Doppler radar and surface data improved the accuracy of precipitation forecasts and had a more positive impact on quantitative forecasting(QPF) than the assimilation of either radar data or surface data only.The back-building characteristic was successfully forecasted when the multiple-Doppler radar data and surface data were assimilated.In data assimilation experiments,the radar data helped forecast the development of convective storms responsible for heavy rainfall,and the surface data contributed to the occurrence of intensified low-level winds.The surface data played a significant role in enhancing the thermal gradient and modulating the planetary boundary layer of the model,which resulted in favorable conditions for convection.     

暴雨模拟中多普勒雷达径向速度变分同化的应用

针对2008年6月广东地区的一次强降雨过程,利用WRF中尺度数值模式及其三维变分同化系统(WRF-3DVAR),进行了多普勒雷达径向速度变分同化对暴雨过程模拟效果影响研究。结果表明:WRF-3DVAR能够有效地同化多普勒雷达径向速度,同化后的主要影响在于改进了初始动力场,使得初始场包含有更详尽的中尺度特征信息,进而显著提高模式对广东局地暴雨过程的模拟效果。在高分辨率中尺度数值模式中有效地利用多普勒天气雷达资料,是提高中尺度降雨预报的关键。     

DRP-4DVar方法同化AIRS反演资料在一次江淮流域暴雨中的应用

利用经济省时的降维投影四维变分同化方法(DRP-4DVar),在2009年7月22～23日江淮流域的一次大暴雨过程中同化晴空条件下高光谱大气红外探测仪(AIRS)反演温度、湿度廓线,改进此次强降水过程的模拟。试验结果分析显示,同化AIRS反演的温度及湿度场后,基于四维变分同化系统的模式约束,能够改进湿度场、高度场、高低层散度场。从累积降水量偏差图及同化试验增量图可以看到,正降水量偏差对应于正湿度增量、负位势高度增量及低层负散度高层正散度增量,负降水量偏差则与之相反。同化试验较参照试验可更好地模拟出暴雨的天气形势、对暴雨的落区及强度有更好的反映。此外,从单次同化与连续同化的试验对比结果看出,连续同化试验结果较单次同化结果有进一步的改进,说明不断加入新的观测资料可以更好地模拟强降水过程。     

不同 AMDAR资料同化时间窗对台风“摩羯”预报影响研究

2018年第14号台风“摩羯”对山东造成了大范围暴雨和大风天气,基于WRF（Weather Research and Forecasting）模式及其Hybrid-3DVAR混合同化预报系统,对Hybrid-3DVAR不同集合协方差比例和不同航空气象数据转发（aircraft meteorological data relay,以下简称AMDAR）资料同化时间窗对台风“摩羯”预报的影响进行了数值研究。结果表明：加大集合协方差比例对台风“摩羯”路径预报有较大影响和改进;当全部取来自集合体的流依赖误差协方差时,预报的台风路径最好,降水预报也最接近实况;AMDAR资料同化对于台风路径和降水预报也有正的改进作用,但加大集合协方差比例到100%时对台风路径预报影响更大;不同资料同化时间窗会影响同化的AMDAR资料数量,从而影响台风降水精细化预报;45 min同化时间窗的要素预报误差最小,对台风造成的强降水精细特征预报最接近实况;不同资料同化时间窗主要影响台风降水预报落区分布,对台风路径预报影响相对较小。     

Assimilating surface observations in a four-dimensional variational Doppler radar data assimilation system to improve the analysis and forecast of a squall line case

This paper examines how assimilating surface observations can improve the analysis and forecast ability of a fourdimensional Variational Doppler Radar Analysis System(VDRAS).Observed surface temperature and winds are assimilated together with radar radial velocity and reflectivity into a convection-permitting model using the VDRAS four-dimensional variational(4DVAR) data assimilation system.A squall-line case observed during a field campaign is selected to investigate the performance of the technique.A single observation experiment shows that assimilating surface observations can influence the analyzed fields in both the horizontal and vertical directions.The surface-based cold pool,divergence and gust front of the squall line are all strengthened through the assimilation of the single surface observation.Three experiments—assimilating radar data only,assimilating radar data with surface data blended in a mesoscale background,and assimilating both radar and surface observations with a 4DVAR cost function—are conducted to examine the impact of the surface data assimilation.Independent surface and wind profiler observations are used for verification.The result shows that the analysis and forecast are improved when surface observations are assimilated in addition to radar observations.It is also shown that the additional surface data can help improve the analysis and forecast at low levels.Surface and low-level features of the squall line—including the surface warm inflow,cold pool,gust front,and low-level wind—are much closer to the observations after assimilating the surface data in VDRAS.     

REM模式伴随系统的建立及其四维变分资料同化初步试验

Regional-Eta-Coordinate-Model(REM)中尺度模式对中国区域性降水显示出公认的较高预报能力,建立其四维变分资料同化系统是完善该模式,进一步提高其预报效果的重要工作。本研究编写了REM模式的切线性模式和伴随模式,介绍了建立REM模式伴随系统的过程,并利用实际天气个例资料,分别对REM模式的切线性模式、伴随模式及定义的目标函数梯度进行了正确性检验,检验结果表明对REM模式的切线性模式及伴随模式编写是成功的。利用REM模式的伴随系统,对1998年06月08日00时到09日00时和2000年08月01日00时到02日00时两个实际天气个例进行了四维变分资料同化试验。从数值试验的结果分析可以看到,进行四维变分资料同化后,两个天气个例在预报结束时刻其预报结果对风场和湿度场的预报都有明显改善,对温度场和高度场的预报也有所改善。对于累积降水的预报,两个个例利用四维变分资料同化后得到的初始场进行的预报结果则有较大不同,在个例1中,变分同化后对降水中心的位置和降水强度的预报都有明显改善,预报结果更接近于观测场;个例2中,变分同化后对降水中心位置和强度的预报则没有改善,产生这种现象的原因可能是由于定义的目标函数中没有加进背景场项,也可能是由于采用的观测资料时次比较少,还需要进一步进行研究和试验。     

梅雨锋暴雨研究中的四维变分同化试验

作者利用PSU/NCAR的MM5数值预报模式及其伴随模式, 以中国1999年6月23日～24日的一次梅雨锋暴雨过程为个例, 根据气象要素与同化窗口之间的配置差异, 作了3组变分同化试验.试验结果表明: 4DVAR方法在提高梅雨锋暴雨的数值预报水平上具有重要的作用.     

单多普勒雷达资料在伴随模式同化系统中的应用研究

利用变分方法反演单多普勒雷达资料,得到风矢量场。同时,利用MM5伴随模式同化系统,结合一次暴雨过程,设计四种方案,进行数值模拟试验。结果表明,通过变分方法反演的雷达资料的应用对于暴雨的分布预报有明显的改善作用;运用伴随方法同化雷达资料后可改善对暴雨中心的预报;对于各个物理量误差的减少,雷达资料的应用也起到重要作用,尤其是对于风场作用较为明显;雷达资料的应用可加快伴随模式同化系统目标函数的收敛,得到最优初始场。     

“00.7”北京特大暴雨模拟中气象资料同化作用的评估

针对2000年7月4～5日北京地区的一次特大暴雨过程(24 h降水量达240 mm),文中利用MM5/WRF三维变分系统和MM5非静力模式,对此次特大暴雨过程中的各种气象监测资料(地基GPS大气柱水汽含量、常规探空、高空测风、地面常规观测和地面自动气象站)的同化作用通过观测系统数值试验进行了评估.结果表明与传统的客观分析方案相比较,MM5/WRF三维变分同化系统可直接引入非常规地基GPS大气柱水汽含量监测资料,提供更好的大气初始分析场.在三维变分同化方案下,各种大气监测资料均对改进此次特大暴雨模拟有不同程度的贡献,其中,常规探空和高空测风监测资料对改进预报结果的影响最大,地面常规观测和地面自动气象站观测资料作用次之,地基GPS大气柱水汽含量资料在与其他大气监测资料相互优势互补后,可很好地改善模式大气的分析质量,通过三维变分同化技术在区域数值天气预报模式初始场中引入地基GPS大气水汽监测网资料,使此次强降水个例的6 h和24 h测站降水预报的TS评分值在1,5,10和20 mm预报检验阈值下分别提高了1%～8%.研究结果对利用三维变分数值系统,评估气象监测网资料在改进高影响天气事件预报中的作用有借鉴意义.     

雷达反射率三维拼图观测资料在北方区域数值模式预报系统中的同化应用研究

以业务应用为目标,开展雷达反射率三维拼图观测资料在北方区域数值预报系统中的同化应用研究。采用雷达反射率间接同化方法同化北方雷达反射率拼图观测资料,重点关注其对降水、湿度、温度及风的预报能力影响。首先,基于2017年8月雷达拼图观测资料批量同化和对比试验,对雷达拼图资料同化应用效果进行定量评估,结果表明雷达拼图资料同化虽然加大了地面风场预报误差,但在降水预报和湿度、温度预报等方面有明显的改善作用。其次,选择在业务中预报难度较大的强降水个例开展分析研究,分析表明:（1）同化雷达拼图观测资料有效提高了模式降水预报性能,临近降水发生的循环起报时次预报效果更好;（2）对于短时间多次强降水过程发生的预报,循环同化雷达拼图资料可及时弥补模式中由于前次降水导致的水汽、能量等消耗及热/动力条件削弱,持续支持降水系统发展。最后,通过考察雷达反射率的不同同化方案,发现同化反演水凝物或者估计水汽均能改善模式降水预报性能,但是同化估计水汽对降水预报性能的改善更为明显,联合使用两方案能同时对水凝物分布、热力场等进行调整,可提高模式降水预报性能。      

Numerical Assessing Experiments on the Individual Component Impact of the Meteorological Observation Network on the ＂July 2000＂ Torrential Rain in Beijing

In an effort to assess the impact of the individual component of meteorological observations (ground-based GPS precipitable water vapor,automatic and conventional meteorological observations) on the torrential rain event in 4-5 July 2000 in Beijing (with the 24-h accumulated precipitation reaching 240 mm),24-h observation system experiments are conducted numerically by using the MM5/WRF 3DVAR system and the nonhydrostatic MM5 model.Results indicate that,because the non-conventional GPS observations are directly assimilated into the initial analyses by 3DVAR system,better initial fields and 24-h simulation for the severe precipitation event are achieved than those under the MM5/Litter_R objective analysis scheme. Further analysis also shows that the individual component of meteorological observation network plays their special positive role in the improvement of initial field analysis and forecasting skills.3DVAR scheme with or without radiosonde and pilot observation has the most significant influence on numerical simulation,and automatic and conventional surface meteorological observations rank second.After acquiring the supplement information from the other meteorological observations,the ground-based GPS precipitable water vapor data can more obviously reflect initial field assimilation and precipitation forecast.By incorporating the ground- based GPS precipitable water vapor data into the 3DVAR analyses at the initial time,the threat scores (TS) with thresholds of 1,5,10,and 20 mm are increased by 1%-8% for 6- and 24-h accumulated precipitation observations,respectively.This work gives one helpful example that assesses the impact of individual component of the existing meteorological observation network on the high influence weather event using 3DVAR numerical system.