On the use of EDA background error variances in the ECMWF 4D-Var

Title
On the use of EDA background error variances in the ECMWF 4D-Var
Technical memorandum
Date Published
01/2012
Secondary Title
ECMWF Technical Memoranda
Number
664
Author
Massimo Bonavita
L. Isaksen
E. Hólm
Publisher
ECMWF
Abstract A hybrid assimilation system which uses sample statistics from an Ensemble of Data Assimilations (EDA) to estimate background error variances has been implemented at ECMWF. We show that the new system is beneficial in terms of deterministic forecast skill provided that random and systematic errors in the estimation of variances are properly accounted for. The mechanisms through which EDA sample variances influence the deterministic analysis are clarified. An interesting aspect is that the use of flow-dependent variances alone is able to introduce a significant degree of flow-dependency in the analysis increments.
URL https://www.ecmwf.int/en/elibrary/73740-use-eda-background-error-variances-ecmwf-4d-var
DOI 10.21957/3msfrh5zm
Download citation