Managing Ensemble Data Assimilation Systems With Python

The University of Washington Real-Time Ensemble Kalman Filter system has been in operation since 2005 using the WRF model and Data Assimilation and Research Testbed (DART) system patched together through C-shell scripts. After 7 years of running, the system was re-envisioned as a self-contained, portable, operational and research capable system managed through Python. The use of Python to interface between WRF and DART allows for compatibility across systems, real-time monitoring and visualization of model and data assimilation output for errors, and easy integration of user-specific modifications to the model-assimilation workflow.