Effect of Length Scale Tuning of Background Error in WRF-3DVAR System on Assimilation of High-Resolution Surface Data for Heavy Rainfall Simulation

We investigated the impact of tuning the length scale of the background error covariance in the Weather Research and Forecasting(WRF) three-dimensional variational assimilation(3DVAR) system.In particular,we studied the effect of this parameter on the assimilation of high-resolution surface data for heavy rainfall forecasts associated with mesoscale convective systems over the Korean Peninsula.In the assimilation of high-resolution surface data,the National Meteorological Center method tended to exaggerate the length scale that determined the shape and extent to which observed information spreads out.In this study,we used the difference between observation and background data to tune the length scale in the assimilation of high-resolution surface data.The resulting assimilation clearly showed that the analysis with the tuned length scale was able to reproduce the small-scale features of the ideal field effectively.We also investigated the effect of a double-iteration method with two different length scales,representing large and small-length scales in the WRF-3DVAR.This method reflected the large and small-scale features of observed information in the model fields.The quantitative accuracy of the precipitation forecast using this double iteration with two different length scales for heavy rainfall was high;results were in good agreement with observations in terms of the maximum rainfall amount and equitable threat scores.The improved forecast in the experiment resulted from the development of well-identified mesoscale convective systems by intensified low-level winds and their consequent convergence near the rainfall area.     

Four-dimensional variational data assimilation for mesoscale and storm-scale applications

Summary ?The status and progress of the four-dimensional variational data assimilation (4DVAR) are briefly reviewed focusing on application to prediction of mesoscale/storm-scale atmospheric phenomena. Theoretical background is provided for each important component of the 4DVAR system – forecast and adjoint models, observations, background, cost function, preconditioning, and minimization. An overview of practical issues specific for mesoscale/storm-scale 4DVAR is then presented in terms of high-resolution observations, nonlinearity and discontinuity problem, model error, errors from lateral boundary condition, and precipitation assimilation. Practical strategies for efficient and simplified 4DVAR are also introduced, e.g., incremental 4DVAR, poor man’s 4DVAR, and inverse 3DVAR. A new concept on hybrid approach is proposed to combine an efficient 4DVAR scheme and the standard 4DVAR scheme aiming at reducing computational demand required by the standard 4DVAR while improving the accuracy of the simplified 4DVAR. Applications to both hydrostatic and nonhydrostatic models are illustrated and our vision on opportunities and directions for future research is provided. Received March 12, 2001; revised July 24, 2001; accepted September 5, 2001     

INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT-SCALE ERRORS INTERACTIONS ON ANALYSIS AND FORECAST OF REGIONAL NWP MODEL

In the previous study, the influences of introducing larger- and smaller-scale errors on the background error covariances estimated at the given scales were investigated, respectively. This study used the covariances obtained in the previous study in the data assimilation and model forecast system based on three-dimensional variational method and the Weather Research and Forecasting model. In this study, analyses and forecasts from this system with different covariances for a period of one month were compared, and the causes for differing results were presented. The variations of analysis increments with different-scale errors are consistent with those of variances and correlations of background errors that were reported in the previous paper. In particular, the introduction of smaller-scale errors leads to greater amplitudes in analysis increments for medium-scale wind at the heights of both high- and low-level jets. Temperature and humidity analysis increments are greater at the corresponding scales at the middle- and upper-levels. These analysis increments could improve the intensity of the jet-convection system that includes jets at different levels and the coupling between them that is associated with latent heat release. These changes in analyses will contribute to more accurate wind and temperature forecasts in the corresponding areas. When smaller-scale errors are included, humidity analysis increments are significantly enhanced at large scales and lower levels, to moisten southern analyses. Thus, dry bias can be corrected, which will improve humidity forecasts. Moreover, the inclusion of larger- (smaller-) scale errors will be beneficial for the accuracy of forecasts of heavy (light) precipitation at large (small) scales because of the amplification (diminution) of the intensity and area in precipitation forecasts.     

区域四维变分资料同化的数值试验

针对中尺度数值预报模式预报误差的主要来源,尝试利用四维变分资料同化的方法来改善预报效果。在已建立的中尺度模式（ＭＭ４）四维变分资料同化系统基础上,进行了若干数值试验,通过比较同化前后的预报来检验同化的效果。这些试验中初始场、模式误差和侧边界条件被分别或同时作为控制变量来进行调整,主要探讨了模式误差和侧边界条件对同化及预报的影响,以及同时结合两者或三者的途径和方法。对两组个例分别进行的试验结果表明,区域中尺度模式预报误差除了来源于初始误差外,模式误差、侧边界条件也有不可忽视的作用。同化时应同时考虑初始场、模式误差和侧边界条件这三方面的共同作用,仅修正其中某一个或某两个会把由于其它方面造成的预报误差转嫁到它们之上,从而出现尽管目标函数下降很快而预报结果并没有相应改善的现象。     

水平相关模型的性质及其在GRAPES三维变分系统中的应用

在变分资料同化中背景误差水平相关模型不仅决定着观测信息传播到格点空间的远近,而且影响着频谱空间中不同尺度上的分析增量信息的多少.本文比较高斯(Gauss)、二阶自回归(Soar)以及尺度叠加高斯模型(Supergauss)在时空域随着空间距离和在频谱域随着不同尺度分布的特点,阐述三种相关模型在区域GRAPES三维变分分...     

变分同化中使用背景场时尺度匹配的数值研究

分资料同化方法运用于中尺度系统的分析时，粗网格模式的输出经常被用作背景场，此时分析场和背景场之间存在尺度不一致的问题。为了让二者的尺度相匹配，文中提出可以在目标函数中增加一个过滤算子适当滤除分析场中的短波成分。应用浅水方程模式和模拟资料所作的数值试验表明，该方法可以明显地改善分析的效果。     

一种基于历史样本投影的三维变分同化方法

对于中尺度数值天气预报来说,初始条件的准确与否已成为影响预报技巧的主要因素之一。现有的大气观测资料在时空分布上的不均匀,以及存在的观测误差,使得我们必须引进资料同化方法,为中尺度数值模式提供最优的初始场。由于传统的三维变分同化(3DVar)方法缺乏模式约束以及背景误差协方差矩阵(B矩阵)不具有流依赖性,因此本文提出一种基于历史样本投影的3DVar(HSP-3DVar)方法,它不仅具有流依赖的B矩阵,而且比传统的3DVar简单易行。为了评价HSP-3DVar的同化性能,我们基于区域暴雨预报模式AREM(Advanced Regional Eta Model)对其进行了观测系统模拟试验(OSSE),结果表明:HSP-3DVar能够有效融合观测信息,模式初值在各层的均方根误差都显著地降低。     

基于云依赖背景场误差协方差的雷达资料同化及对降雨预报影响研究

传统变分同化方法中使用各向同性和均质的背景场误差协方差,忽略了背景场误差协方差的天气系统依赖性,而在变分框架下引入集合流依赖的背景场误差协方差还需要额外的集合预报.为在变分同化中引入更合理的背景场误差协方差,通过引入云指数构建"云依赖"背景场误差协方差,提出了一种云依赖背景场误差协方差的同化方案,并应用于雷达等多源观测...     

ON THE OPTIMAL BACKGROUND ERROR COVARIANCES: DIFFERENT SCALE ERRORS’ CONTRIBUTION

The large-scale and small-scale errors could affect background error covariances for a regional numerical model with the specified grid resolution.Based on the different background error covariances influenced by different scale errors,this study tries to construct a so-called"optimal background error covariances"to consider the interactions among different scale errors.For this purpose,a linear combination of the forecast differences influenced by information of errors at different scales is used to construct the new forecast differences for estimating optimal background error covariances.By adjusting the relative weight of the forecast differences influenced by information of smaller-scale errors,the relative influence of different scale errors on optimal background error covariances can be changed.For a heavy rainfall case,the corresponding optimal background error covariances can be estimated through choosing proper weighting factor for forecast differences influenced by information of smaller-scale errors.The data assimilation and forecast with these optimal covariances show that,the corresponding analyses and forecasts can lead to superior quality,compared with those using covariances that just introduce influences of larger-or smallerscale errors.Due to the interactions among different scale errors included in optimal background error covariances,relevant analysis increments can properly describe weather systems(processes)at different scales,such as dynamic lifting,thermodynamic instability and advection of moisture at large scale,high-level and low-level jet at synoptic scale,and convective systems at mesoscale and small scale,as well as their interactions.As a result,the corresponding forecasts can be improved.     

华北地区一次大雾过程的三维变分同化试验

文中采用WRF非静力数值预报模式及其三维变分同化系统(WRF3D-Var),对2006年1月13—14日发生在华北地区及山东半岛的一次大雾过程进行了包括GTS(Global Telecommunication System)资料、AMDAR(Aircraft Meteorological Data Relay)资料和9210资料的不同资料组合的三维变分同化试验,以及时间间隔分别为6、3和1h不同时间频率的循环同化试验,并以同化分析场为初始场进行了36h的模拟试验。对同化分析场和模拟结果进行了分析,分析结果表明,采用三维变分方法同化AMDAR等多种非常规观测资料后,分析场均有明显的改变,对雾区的模拟结果也有局部不同程度的修正。进一步分析起修正作用的原因得知同化资料后对低层的湿度和层结趋稳性有所改善。同化GTS资料对低层的增湿贡献明显,但对层结趋稳性贡献不大;而同化AMDAR资料主要使层结趋稳性明显,对增湿无贡献;9210资料对低层湿度和层结趋稳性均有贡献。不同时间间隔的循环同化试验表明,多时次的循环同化比单时次的同化分析增量要大,逐时循环同化与6和3h循环同化相比,可明显改善模拟效果。     

全球资料同化中误差协方差三维结构的准确估计与应用Ⅱ:背景误差协方差调整与数值试验分析

利用NMC方法针对背景误差协方差的方差、三维相关与特征长度来揭示T213L31模式的误差主要特点,并与传统更新矢量方法的计算结果进行了对比与调整。结果表明NMC方法结果与更新矢量方法结果在大体特征上基本吻合,但细节上的差异不可忽视,特别是对背景误差方差与特征长度的估计存在显著的差异,其主要原因是NMC方法倾向于高估天气尺度波的背景误差,而低估次天气尺度到中尺度波的背景误差。通过对背景误差方差、特征长度的调整,显著改善了背景误差功率谱的分布特点,使得NMC方法结果与更新矢量方法结果更为吻合。通过三维变分同化与最优插值中观测与背景误差相对重要性的比较,发现两者结果基本一致,但三维变分同化在850 hPa以下的温度场和300 hPa以上的风场统计结果都表现出背景误差相对于观测误差偏小的特点。背景误差相对于观测误差偏小有助于保证分析场中质量场与风场平衡,消除了大气底层和高层质量场与风场不匹配现象。在数值试验中,针对不同的背景误差均方差与特征长度的特点,分析了分析增量和预报效果的差异,结果表明,准确的背景误差估计与优化工作改善了预报效果,使得北半球三维变分同化的120 h预报效果整体好于现有最优插值。     

A COMPARISON OF THE BLENDING AND CONSTRAINING METHODS TO INTRODUCE LARGE-SCALE INFORMATION INTO GRAPES MESOSCALE ANALYSIS

To solve the problem of mesoscale analysis error accumulation after a period of continuous cycle data assimilation (CCDA), a blending method and a constraining method are compared to introduce global analysis information into the Global/Regional Assimilation and Prediction Enhanced System mesoscale three-dimensional variational data assimilation system (GRAPES-Meso 3Dvar). Based on a spatial filter used to obtain a blended analysis, the blending method is weighted toward the T639 global analysis for scales larger than the cutoff wavelength of 1,200 km and toward the GRAPES mesoscale analysis for wavelengths below that. The constraining method considers the T639 global analysis data as an extra source of information to be added in the 3DVar cost function. The cloud-resolving GRAPES-Meso system (3 km resolution) with a 3 h analysis cycle update is chosen, and forecast experiments on an extreme precipitation event over the eastern part of China are presented. The comparison shows that the inclusion of large-scale information with both methods has a positive impact on the regional model, in which the 3 h background forecasts are slightly closer to the radiosonde observations. The results also show that both methods are effective in improving large-scale analysis while reserving the well-featured mesoscale information, leading to an enhancement in the balance and accuracy of the analysis. Subjective verification reveals that the introduction of large-scale information has a visible beneficial impact on the forecast of precipitation location and intensity. The methodologies and experiences presented in this paper could serve as a reference for ongoing efforts toward the development of multi-scale analysis in GRAPES-Meso.     

GRAPES全球三维变分同化中卫星微波温度计亮温的背景误差及在质量控制中的应用

模式变量背景误差在观测空间的投影,也即观测变量的背景误差包含了变分同化系统的重要信息,其在诊断和分析变分同化系统中资料的影响等方面具有重要作用,特别是在背景场检查质量控制中。在GRAPES全球三维变分同化(3DVar)系统中仅给定了控制变量的背景误差,并未直接给定观测变量的背景误差。为了能够对GRAPES全球3DVar进行全面的诊断和分析,改进卫星微波温度计资料的质量控制,推导出GRAPES全球3DVar同化系统控制变量随机扰动方法估计观测变量的背景误差的公式,为分析和改进GRAPES全球3DVar提供了一个有力工具,并进而估计了AMSU-A亮温的背景误差,分析了AMSU-A不同通道亮温的背景误差特征,将其应用于GRAPES全球3DVar的AMSU-A亮温的背景场检查质量控制中。结果表明,控制变量随机扰动方法估计的GRAPES全球3DVar同化系统AMSU-A亮温的背景误差正确合理。同化循环预报试验结果表明,亮温的背景误差在背景场检查中的应用显著提高了GRAPES全球3DVar同化的亮温资料的数量,显著提高了GRAPES南半球对流层中高层位势高度场的预报技巧。在GRAPES全球3DVar同化系统中推导和实现的控制变量扰动方法为诊断和分析GRAPES全球3DVar观测资料同化效果提供了有力工具。      

尺度叠加高斯相关模型在GRAPES-RAFS中的应用

背景误差水平相关模型影响着分析增量的结构,同时也决定着不同尺度上分析增量信息的多少.为了提高中小尺度系统的分析质量,研究尺度叠加高斯相关模型的特征及其在三维变分同化系统中的应用效果.通过分析高斯模型和尺度叠加高斯模型的空间特征,以及它们的拉普拉斯算子和谱响应函数的特征,同时依据统计的背景误差特征来改进背景误差水平相关模...     

GRAPES-3DVar高阶递归滤波方案及其初步试验

背景误差协方差矩阵B及其逆的求解是三维变分同化研究的核心问题之一.在GRAPES区域三维变分同化系统(GRAPES-3Dvar)中背景误差协方差矩阵的水平变换部分,假定各向同性并进行递归滤波运算.原有方案中采用一阶递归滤波器,但收敛不够迅速,每次循环同化时需滤波10次才能使目标函数收敛.根据Purser等2003年的研...     

中尺度WRF数值模式系统本地化业务试验

利用中尺度WRF数值模式及WRF三维变分同化系统,在对比试验的基础上,选取了适合本地的积云过程、微物理过程和辐射过程的方案组合;选择了NCEP/GFS作为模式的背景场;统计计算了以云南为中心的区域背景误差协方差并替换了三维变分同化系统中原有的背景误差协方差;同时,考虑模式底层高度与地面观测站高度的差异,进行了地面资料地形订正.通过上述试验研究,建立了本地化的中尺度WRF数值预报业务系统,该系统能较好地刻画本地下垫面的动力和热力状况,预报能力有明显改善.     

Predictability in limited area and global models

Summary Selected small domain LAM forecasts modulated by highly corrugated underlying topography, and driven by different state-of-science outer models suggest that uncertain outer model guidance for LAMs produces large, domain averaged sensitivity. A further literature survey indicates that many LAM forecasts are relatively insensitive to details of the local initial state, and that mesoscales show slight error growth, in contradiction to classical predictability theory. A series of global predictability experiments is presented in order to reconcile the contradiction. The experiments imply that, even in baroclinically unstable atmospheres, the most common sources of local error growth are associated with small uncertainties of the larger spatial scales rather than small uncertainties of the smaller spatial scales. Variable resolution, real-data experiments of barotropic versions of the global model display substantial mesoscale error growth, due principally to the effect of larger scales. The uncertainties possessing largest spatial scale appear as boundary uncertainties in LAMs, and explain the strong boundary sensitivity and weak local initial data sensitivity observed in many LAMs. We infer that accurate depiction of the largest spatial scales is a first order priority for accurate local prediction, and that for the advective portion of the dynamics, errors of the outer model that provides lateral boundary conditions may impose the largest current practical limitation for many LAM predictions.With 10 Figures     

Operational convective-scale data assimilation over Iran: A comparison between WRF and HARMONIE-AROME

The impact of applying three-dimensional variational data assimilation (3D-Var DA) on convective-scale forecasts is investigated by using two mesoscale models, the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF-ARW) and the Hirlam and Aladin Research Model On Non-hydrostatic-forecast Inside Europe (HARMONIE-AROME). One month (1 to 30 December 2013) of numerical experiments were conducted with these two models at 2.5 km horizontal resolution, in order to partly resolve convective phenomena, on the same domain over a mountainous area in Iran and neighboring areas. Furthermore, in order to estimate the domain specific background error statistics (BES) in convective scales, two months (1 November to 30 December 2017) of numerical experiments were carried out with both models by downscaling operational ECMWF forecasts. For setting the numerical experiments in an operational scenario, ECMWF operational forecast data were used as initial and lateral boundary conditions (ICs/LBCs). In order to examine the impact of data assimilation, the 3D-Var method in cycling mode was adopted and the forecasts were verified every 6 hours up to 36 hours for selected meteorological variables. In addition, 24 h accumulated precipitation forecasts were verified separately. Generally, the WRF and HARMONIE-AROME exhibit similar verification statistics for the selected forecast variables. The impact of DA on the numerical forecast shows some evidence of improvement in both models, and this effect decreases severely at longer lead times. Results from verifying the 24 h convective-scale precipitation forecasts from both models with and without DA suggest the superiority of the WRF model in forecasting more accurately the occurred precipitation over the simulation domain, even for the downscaling run.     

EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE ROLE OF INITIAL AND BOUNDARY CONDITIONS IN MESOSCALE NUMERICAL WEATHER PREDICTION

~~EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF THE ROLE OF INITIAL AND BOUNDARY CONDITIONS IN MESOSCALE NUMERICAL WEATHER PREDICTION@闫敬华$Guangzhou Institute of Tropical & Marine Meteorology, CMA, Guangzhou 510080 China @Detlev Majewski$Duetscher Wetterdinst, Offenbach, Germany~~National Project "973" (Research on Heavy Rain in China) and BMBF of Germany (WTZ- Project CHN01/106)…     

MM5三维变分系统在北京地区冷暖季背景场误差的对比分析

NMC方法是目前较广泛采用的一种对模式背景场误差协方差进行统计分析的一种方法。本文根据积累的2002年8月份和2003年2月份各一个月模式预报结果,采用NMC方法,计算了中尺度模式MM5V3在北京地区的冷暖季背景场误差,详细给出其气候统计特征。通过对比分析发现,背景场误差特征对于不同的模式变量、水平分辨率、垂直层各不相同,冷暖季背景场误差也有不同的特征,其差别主要表现在风场。这些特征与模式模拟区域的平均天气状况相对应,同化应该在各模式区域分别进行。MM5三维变分系统在北京地区的实际应用中,应发展根据实际季节变换背景场误差协方差矩阵的方法。