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Impact of Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) Thermodynamic Profiles on Regional Precipitation ForecastingIn data sparse regions, remotely-sensed observations can be used to improve analyses and lead to better forecasts. One such source comes from the Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS), which together with the Advanced Microwave Sounding Unit (AMSU), provides temperature and moisture profiles in clear and cloudy regions with accuracy which approaches that of radiosondes. The purpose of this paper is to describe an approach to assimilate AIRS thermodynamic profile data into a regional configuration of the Advanced Research WRF (ARW) model using WRF-Var. Quality indicators are used to select only the highest quality temperature and moisture profiles for assimilation in clear and partly cloudy regions, and uncontaminated portions of retrievals above clouds in overcast regions. Separate error characteristics for land and water profiles are also used in the assimilation process. Assimilation results indicate that AIRS profiles produce an analysis closer to in situ observations than the background field. Forecasts from a 37-day case study period in the winter of 2007 show that AIRS profile data can lead to improvements in 6-h cumulative precipitation forecasts resulting from improved thermodynamic fields. Additionally, in a convective heavy rainfall event from February 2007, assimilation of AIRS profiles produces a more unstable boundary layer resulting in enhanced updrafts in the model. These updrafts produce a squall line and precipitation totals that more closely reflect ground-based observations than a no AIRS control forecast. The location of available high-quality AIRS profiles ahead of approaching storm systems is found to be of paramount importance to the amount of impact the observations will have on the resulting forecasts.
Document ID
20100026420
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Chou, S.-H.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Zavodsky, B. T.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Jedloved, G. J.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
June 21, 2010
Subject Category
Earth Resources And Remote Sensing
Report/Patent Number
M10-0734
Meeting Information
Meeting: 11th Annual WRF Users'' Event/NCAR
Location: Boulder, CO
Country: United States
Start Date: June 21, 2010
End Date: June 25, 2010
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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