Monitoring observation-model differences in the real time Rapid Refresh System
The Rapid Refresh (RR) system is slated to replace the operational Rapid Update Cycle (RUC) at NCEP in 2010. The RR includes a
3dvar analysis package (the Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation -- GSI) and a model prediction system (the WRF ARW core). The RR has been running hourly in real time at NOAA/ESRL/GSD since the summer of 2008.
All forecast systems require detailed monitoring, including a component that documents the quality of observational data and analyses. One way to do this is to evaluate the statistics of two key quantities, the observation minus background (O-B) and observation minus analysis (O-A) increments. These statistics are currently produced by the GSI, but are output in difficult to use text files.
We are developing a more sophisticated monitoring system that provides graphical plan-view and time series visualizations of these O-B and O-A statistics. Our experience with similar monitoring systems indicates that these kind of tools provide a more comprehensive picture about both model and observation behavior.
A description of the monitoring system and first results from its operations will be presented.
Oral presentation
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