Experimental use of satellite-derived data in numerical analysis and the effect on a primitive equation prediction scheme

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Author
Mantei, Thomas Joseph
Workman, Charles Edwin
Date
1971-12Advisor
Hamilton, Harry D.
Renard, Robert J.
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Show full item recordAbstract
The results of an experiment to test the utility of satellite-observed
data for enhancing the accuracy and detail of numerical analyses and its
effect on the attendant primitive equation (PE) prognoses is presented.
The test, carried out in the framework of Fleet Numerical Weather Central's
system, employed SIRS data and various quasi objective techniques to
establish bogus pressure/height and wind data at sea level/500 mb over
the North Pacific Ocean area. The resulting satellite-modified analyses
for five synoptic times, in the period 10-12 March 1971, were used to generate
PE prognoses from 1200 GMT 10 March and 0000 GMT 11 March 1971. Comparison with PE prognoses from analyses dependent only on conventional data indicated relatively more improvement at sea level than at 500
mb. The complex results are interpreted in terms of the initialization of
the analyzed fields, known behavioral characteristics of the PE model,
the mechanics of the modification procedures and the experience level of
the analysts.
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Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited