Benefits of smoothing backgrounds and radar reflectivity observations for multiscale data assimilation with an ensemble Kalman filter at convective scales: A proof of concept study

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frédéric Fabry
Keyword(s):  
Kalman Filter ◽  
Ensemble Kalman Filter ◽  
System Simulation ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Single Cycle ◽  
Forecast Period ◽  
Simulation Experiments ◽  
Radar Observations ◽  
Localization Radius ◽  
Forecast Quality

Abstract In the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF), the covariance localization radius is usually small when assimilating radar observations because of high density of the radar observations. This makes the region away from precipitation difficult to correct if no other observations are available, as there is no reason to correct the background. To correct errors away from the innovating radar observations, a multiscale localization (MLoc) method adapted to dense observations like those from radar is proposed. In this method, different scales are corrected successively by using the same reflectivity observations, but with different degree of smoothing and localization radius at each step. In the context of observing system simulation experiments, single and multiple assimilation experiments are conducted with the MLoc method. Results show that the MLoc assimilation updates areas that are away from the innovative observations and improves on average the analysis and forecast quality in single cycle and cycling assimilation experiments. The forecast gains are maintained until the end of the forecast period, illustrating the benefits of correcting different scales.

scholarly journals Impact of Phased-Array Radar Observations over a Short Assimilation Period: Observing System Simulation Experiments Using an Ensemble Kalman Filter

2010 ◽  
Vol 138 (2) ◽  
pp. 517-538 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nusrat Yussouf ◽  
David J. Stensrud
Keyword(s):  
Kalman Filter ◽  
Data Assimilation ◽  
Ensemble Kalman Filter ◽  
Phased Array ◽  
System Simulation ◽  
Scale Model ◽  
Simulation Experiments ◽  
Phased Array Radar ◽  
Weather Phenomenon ◽  
Data Assimilation Technique

Abstract The conventional Weather Surveillance Radar-1988 Doppler (WSR-88D) scans a given weather phenomenon in approximately 5 min, and past results suggest that it takes 30–60 min to establish a storm into a model assimilating these data using an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) data assimilation technique. Severe-weather events, however, can develop and evolve very rapidly. Therefore, assimilating observations for a 30–60-min period prior to the availability of accurate analyses may not be feasible in an operational setting. A shorter assimilation period also is desired if forecasts are produced to increase the warning lead time. With the advent of the emerging phased-array radar (PAR) technology, it is now possible to scan the same weather phenomenon in less than 1 min. Therefore, it is of interest to see if the faster scanning rate of PAR can yield improvements in storm-scale analyses and forecasts from assimilating over a shorter period of time. Observing system simulation experiments are conducted to evaluate the ability to quickly initialize a storm into a numerical model using PAR data in place of WSR-88D data. Synthetic PAR and WSR-88D observations of a splitting supercell storm are created from a storm-scale model run using a realistic volume-averaging technique in native radar coordinates. These synthetic reflectivity and radial velocity observations are assimilated into the same storm-scale model over a 15-min period using an EnKF data assimilation technique followed by a 50-min ensemble forecast. Results indicate that assimilating PAR observations at 1-min intervals over a short 15-min period yields significantly better analyses and ensemble forecasts than those produced using WSR-88D observations. Additional experiments are conducted in which the adaptive scanning capability of PAR is utilized for thunderstorms that are either very close to or far away from the radar location. Results show that the adaptive scanning capability improves the analyses and forecasts when compared with the nonadaptive PAR data. These results highlight the potential for flexible rapid-scanning PAR observations to help to quickly and accurately initialize storms into numerical models yielding improved storm-scale analyses and very short range forecasts.

Ensemble Kalman Filter Assimilation of Simulated HIWRAP Doppler Velocity Data in a Hurricane

2013 ◽  
Vol 141 (8) ◽  
pp. 2683-2704 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason A. Sippel ◽  
Scott A. Braun ◽  
Fuqing Zhang ◽  
Yonghui Weng
Keyword(s):  
Kalman Filter ◽  
Ensemble Kalman Filter ◽  
Doppler Radar ◽  
Doppler Velocity ◽  
Proof Of Concept ◽  
Velocity Data ◽  
Simulation Experiments ◽  
Flight Duration ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Analysis Error

Abstract This study utilizes ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) to analyze the potential impact of assimilating radial velocity observations of hurricanes from the High-altitude Imaging Wind and Rain Airborne Profiler (HIWRAP). HIWRAP is a new Doppler radar mounted on the NASA Global Hawk unmanned airborne system that flies at roughly 19-km altitude and has the benefit of a 25–30-h flight duration, which is 2–3 times that of conventional aircraft. This research is intended as a proof-of-concept study for future assimilation of real HIWRAP data. The most important result from this research is that HIWRAP data can potentially improve hurricane analyses and prediction. For example, by the end of a 12-h assimilation period, the analysis error is much lower than that in deterministic forecasts. As a result, subsequent forecasts initialized with the EnKF analyses also improve. Furthermore, analyses and forecasts clearly benefit more from a 12-h assimilation period than for shorter periods, which highlights a benefit of the Global Hawk's potentially long on-station times.

An ensemble Kalman filter data assimilation system for the martian atmosphere: Implementation and simulation experiments

Icarus ◽  
2010 ◽  
Vol 209 (2) ◽  
pp. 470-481 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew J. Hoffman ◽  
Steven J. Greybush ◽  
R. John Wilson ◽  
Gyorgyi Gyarmati ◽  
Ross N. Hoffman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Kalman Filter ◽  
Data Assimilation ◽  
Ensemble Kalman Filter ◽  
Martian Atmosphere ◽  
Simulation Experiments ◽  
Data Assimilation System ◽  
Assimilation System

scholarly journals On the Choice of an Optimal Localization Radius in Ensemble Kalman Filter Methods

2014 ◽  
Vol 142 (6) ◽  
pp. 2165-2175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Kirchgessner ◽  
Lars Nerger ◽  
Angelika Bunse-Gerstner
Keyword(s):  
Kalman Filter ◽  
Ensemble Kalman Filter ◽  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Localization Length ◽  
Ensemble Size ◽  
Localization Radius ◽  
Filter Methods ◽  
Local Observation ◽  
Optimal Localization ◽  
Analysis Quality

Abstract In data assimilation applications using ensemble Kalman filter methods, localization is necessary to make the method work with high-dimensional geophysical models. For ensemble square root Kalman filters, domain localization (DL) and observation localization (OL) are commonly used. Depending on the localization method, appropriate values have to be chosen for the localization parameters, such as the localization length and the weight function. Although frequently used, the properties of the localization techniques are not fully investigated. Thus, up to now an optimal choice for these parameters is a priori unknown and they are generally found by expensive numerical experiments. In this study, the relationship between the localization length and the ensemble size in DL and OL is studied using twin experiments with the Lorenz-96 model and a two-dimensional shallow-water model. For both models, it is found that the optimal localization length for DL and OL depends linearly on an effective local observation dimension that is given by the sum of the observation weights. In the experiments no influence of the model dynamics on the optimal localization length was observed. The effective observation dimension defines the degrees of freedom that are required for assimilating observations, while the ensemble size defines the available degrees of freedom. Setting the localization radius such that the effective local observation dimension equals the ensemble size yields an adaptive localization radius. Its performance is tested using a global ocean model. The experiments show that the analysis quality using the adaptive localization is similar to the analysis quality of an optimally tuned constant localization radius.

scholarly journals Geomagnetic secular variation forecast using the NASA GEMS ensemble Kalman filter: A candidate SV model for IGRF-13

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrew Tangborn ◽  
Weijia Kuang ◽  
Terence Sabaka ◽  
Ce Ye
Keyword(s):  
Kalman Filter ◽  
Secular Variation ◽  
Ensemble Kalman Filter ◽  
Geomagnetic Field ◽  
Model Bias ◽  
Geomagnetic Secular Variation ◽  
Forecast Period ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Correction Scheme ◽  
Geomagnetic Field Models

Abstract We have produced a 5-year mean secular variation (SV) of the geomagnetic field for the period 2020-2025. We use the NASA Geomagnetic Ensemble Modeling System (GEMS), which consists of the NASA Goddard geodynamo model and ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) with 400 ensemble members. Geomagnetic field models are used as observations for the assimilation, including gufm1 (1590-1960), CM4 (1961-2000) and CM6 (2001-2019). The forecast involves a bias correction scheme that assumes that the model bias changes on timescales much longer than the forecast period, so that they can be removed by successive forecast series. The algorithm was validated on the time period 2010-2015 by comparing with CM6 before being applied to the 2020-2025 time period. This forecast has been submitted as a candidate predictive model of IGRF-13 for the period 2020-2025.

scholarly journals Assessing the Impact of the Covariance Localization Radius when Assimilating Infrared Brightness Temperature Observations Using an Ensemble Kalman Filter

2012 ◽  
Vol 140 (2) ◽  
pp. 543-561 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason A. Otkin
Keyword(s):  
Kalman Filter ◽  
Brightness Temperature ◽  
Ensemble Kalman Filter ◽  
Short Range ◽  
Infrared Observations ◽  
Localization Radius ◽  
Temperature Observations ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Infrared Brightness ◽  
Cloud Analysis

A regional-scale Observing System Simulation Experiment is used to examine how changes in the horizontal covariance localization radius employed during the assimilation of infrared brightness temperature observations in an ensemble Kalman filter assimilation system impacts the accuracy of atmospheric analyses and short-range model forecasts. The case study tracks the evolution of several extratropical weather systems that occurred across the contiguous United States during 7–8 January 2008. Overall, the results indicate that assimilating 8.5-μm brightness temperatures improves the cloud analysis and forecast accuracy, but has the tendency to degrade the water vapor mixing ratio and thermodynamic fields unless a small localization radius is used. Vertical cross sections showed that varying the localization radius had a minimal impact on the shape of the analysis increments; however, their magnitude consistently increased with increasing localization radius. By the end of the assimilation period, the moisture, temperature, cloud, and wind errors generally decreased with decreasing localization radius and became similar to the Control case in which only conventional observations were assimilated if the shortest localization radius was used. Short-range ensemble forecasts showed that the large positive impact of the infrared observations on the final cloud analysis diminished rapidly during the forecast period, which indicates that it is difficult to maintain beneficial changes to the cloud analysis if the moisture and thermodynamic forcing controlling the cloud evolution are not simultaneously improved. These results show that although assimilation of infrared observations consistently improves the cloud field regardless of the length of the localization radius, it may be necessary to use a smaller radius to also improve the accuracy of the moisture and thermodynamic fields.

Review of the Ensemble Kalman Filter for Atmospheric Data Assimilation

2016 ◽  
Vol 144 (12) ◽  
pp. 4489-4532 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. L. Houtekamer ◽  
Fuqing Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Kalman Filter ◽  
Data Assimilation ◽  
Hybrid Systems ◽  
Ensemble Kalman Filter ◽  
Satellite Observations ◽  
General Description ◽  
System Error ◽  
Radar Observations ◽  
Atmospheric Data ◽  
Filter Divergence

Abstract This paper reviews the development of the ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) for atmospheric data assimilation. Particular attention is devoted to recent advances and current challenges. The distinguishing properties of three well-established variations of the EnKF algorithm are first discussed. Given the limited size of the ensemble and the unavoidable existence of errors whose origin is unknown (i.e., system error), various approaches to localizing the impact of observations and to accounting for these errors have been proposed. However, challenges remain; for example, with regard to localization of multiscale phenomena (both in time and space). For the EnKF in general, but higher-resolution applications in particular, it is desirable to use a short assimilation window. This motivates a focus on approaches for maintaining balance during the EnKF update. Also discussed are limited-area EnKF systems, in particular with regard to the assimilation of radar data and applications to tracking severe storms and tropical cyclones. It seems that relatively less attention has been paid to optimizing EnKF assimilation of satellite radiance observations, the growing volume of which has been instrumental in improving global weather predictions. There is also a tendency at various centers to investigate and implement hybrid systems that take advantage of both the ensemble and the variational data assimilation approaches; this poses additional challenges and it is not clear how it will evolve. It is concluded that, despite more than 10 years of operational experience, there are still many unresolved issues that could benefit from further research. Contents Introduction...4490 Popular flavors of the EnKF algorithm...4491 General description...4491 Stochastic and deterministic filters...4492 The stochastic filter...4492 The deterministic filter...4492 Sequential or local filters...4493 Sequential ensemble Kalman filters...4493 The local ensemble transform Kalman filter...4494 Extended state vector...4494 Issues for the development of algorithms...4495 Use of small ensembles...4495 Monte Carlo methods...4495 Validation of reliability...4497 Use of group filters with no inbreeding...4498 Sampling error due to limited ensemble size: The rank problem...4498 Covariance localization...4499 Localization in the sequential filter...4499 Localization in the LETKF...4499 Issues with localization...4500 Summary...4501 Methods to increase ensemble spread...4501 Covariance inflation...4501 Additive inflation...4501 Multiplicative inflation...4502 Relaxation to prior ensemble information...4502 Issues with inflation...4503 Diffusion and truncation...4503 Error in physical parameterizations...4504 Physical tendency perturbations...4504 Multimodel, multiphysics, and multiparameter approaches...4505 Future directions...4505 Realism of error sources...4506 Balance and length of the assimilation window...4506 The need for balancing methods...4506 Time-filtering methods...4506 Toward shorter assimilation windows...4507 Reduction of sources of imbalance...4507 Regional data assimilation...4508 Boundary conditions and consistency across multiple domains...4509 Initialization of the starting ensemble...4510 Preprocessing steps for radar observations...4510 Use of radar observations for convective-scale analyses...4511 Use of radar observations for tropical cyclone analyses...4511 Other issues with respect to LAM data assimilation...4511 The assimilation of satellite observations...4512 Covariance localization...4512 Data density...4513 Bias-correction procedures...4513 Impact of covariance cycling...4514 Assumptions regarding observational error...4514 Recommendations regarding satellite observations...4515 Computational aspects...4515 Parameters with an impact on quality...4515 Overview of current parallel algorithms...4516 Evolution of computer architecture...4516 Practical issues...4517 Approaching the gray zone...4518 Summary...4518 Hybrids with variational and EnKF components...4519 Hybrid background error covariances...4519 E4DVar with the α control variable...4519 Not using linearized models with 4DEnVar...4520 The hybrid gain algorithm...4521 Open issues and recommendations...4521 Summary and discussion...4521 Stochastic or deterministic filters...4522 The nature of system error...4522 Going beyond the synoptic scales...4522 Satellite observations...4523 Hybrid systems...4523 Future of the EnKF...4523 APPENDIX A...4524 Types of Filter Divergence...4524 Classical filter divergence...4524 Catastrophic filter divergence...4524 APPENDIX B...4524 Systems Available for Download...4524 References...4525

scholarly journals Impact of MPEX Upsonde Observations on Ensemble Analyses and Forecasts of the 31 May 2013 Convective Event over Oklahoma

2016 ◽  
Vol 144 (8) ◽  
pp. 2889-2913 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stacey M. Hitchcock ◽  
Michael C. Coniglio ◽  
Kent H. Knopfmeier
Keyword(s):  
Kalman Filter ◽  
Ensemble Kalman Filter ◽  
Mobile Systems ◽  
Observation Error ◽  
Ensemble Spread ◽  
Convective Event ◽  
Localization Radius ◽  
Standard Value ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Vertical Localization

Abstract This study examines the impact of assimilating three radiosonde profiles obtained from ground-based mobile systems during the Mesoscale Predictability Experiment (MPEX) on analyses and convection-permitting model forecasts of the 31 May 2013 convective event over Oklahoma. These radiosonde profiles (in addition to standard observations) are assimilated into a 36-member mesoscale ensemble using an ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) before embedding a convection-permitting (3 km) grid and running a full ensemble of 9-h forecasts. This set of 3-km forecasts is compared to a control run that does not assimilate the MPEX soundings. The analysis of low- to midlevel moisture is impacted the most by the assimilation, but coherent mesoscale differences in temperature and wind are also seen, primarily downstream of the location of the soundings. The ensemble of forecasts of convection on the 3-km grid are improved the most in the first three hours of the forecast in a region where the analyzed position of low-level frontal convergence and midlevel moisture was improved on the mesoscale grid. Later forecasts of the upscale growth of intense convection over central Oklahoma are improved somewhat, but larger ensemble spread lowers confidence in the significance of the improvements. Changes in the horizontal localization radius from the standard value applied to the MPEX sounding assimilation alters the specific times that the forecasts are improved in the first three hours of the forecasts, while changes to the vertical localization radius and specified temperature and wind observation error result in little to no improvements in the forecasts.

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