Impact of ERS-2 and SEAWINDS scatterometer data on the Navy Operational Global Atmospheric Prediction System (NOGAPS)

Assimilation of ERS-2 scatterometer data into the Navy Operation Global Atmospheric Prediction System (NOGAPS) has been shown to have a positive impact on weather predictions. The recent launch of QuikSCAT with its SeaWinds scatterometer has roughly tripled the volume of scatterometer data available for assimilation. This paper will test the relative and combined predictability impacts of the two data sources.

The site-specific data processing and assimilation procedures used at Fleet Numerical and Meteorology Center will be outlined. The impact study will be performed on a global data set collected during a one-month period. Impact will be analyzed on both a hemispheric and regional basis.