Use of analysis ensembles in estimating flow-dependent background error variances
| Title | Use of analysis ensembles in estimating flow-dependent background error variances
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Technical memorandum
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| Date Published |
04/2006
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| Secondary Title |
ECMWF Technical Memoranda
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| Number |
492
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| Author | |
| Publisher |
ECMWF
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| Abstract | This paper represents a preliminary investigation into the use of ensembles of analyses to estimate flow-dependent variances of background error. We study small-scale, dynamically-active systems in the mid latitudes (the storms over France during 26-28th December 1999) and in the tropics (Hurricane Isabel, 6-29th September 2003). We demonstrate that the use of ensemble-based estimates of background error variance can improve the analysis of such systems. Although the approach has considerable potential, we note that good analyses of such small-scale systems are unlikely to be produced unless they are adequately resolved both by the main analysis system, and by the members of the analysis ensemble. We believe that a small ensemble of relatively high resolution members may be preferable to a larger ensemble of lower resolution members. We also highlight the tendency of the analysis ensemble to under-estimate the variance of analysis and background error, particularly in dynamically inactive regions. We consider a few simple measures that try to correct this under-estimate, but note that a better understanding (and representation) of the effects of model error, and of the spatial and inter-channel correlation of observation error, is needed before such ad hoc measures can be eliminated. |
| URL | https://www.ecmwf.int/en/elibrary/75272-use-analysis-ensembles-estimating-flow-dependent-background-error-variances |
| DOI | 10.21957/36n2z0p1p |
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