Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

Assimilation of Infrared Radiance Observations with Sensitivity to Land Surfaces in the Canadian Ensemble–Variational System

S. K. Dutta Meteorological Research Branch, Data Assimilation and Satellite Meteorology Section, Environment Canada, Dorval, Quebec, Canada

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L. Garand Meteorological Research Branch, Data Assimilation and Satellite Meteorology Section, Environment Canada, Dorval, Quebec, Canada

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S. Heilliette Meteorological Research Branch, Data Assimilation and Satellite Meteorology Section, Environment Canada, Dorval, Quebec, Canada

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Print Publication:
01 Mar 2016
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/JAMC-D-15-0208.1
Page(s):
561–578
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Abstract

This study highlights recent progress at the Canadian Meteorological Centre in the assimilation of Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) radiance observations that are sensitive to land surfaces. The assimilation is carried out using the Canadian global ensemble–variational system. That system benefits from flow-dependent background-error statistics that include covariances between surface skin temperature and atmospheric variables. Up to 142 channels from both AIRS and IASI are assimilated. A detailed database of spectral surface emissivity is used. Forecasts are evaluated against ERA-Interim analyses, own-cycle analyses, and radiosonde observations. A conservative approach is taken, with restrictive conditions on topography and surface emissivity. From 2-month assimilation experiments, a significant positive impact is obtained in the Northern Hemisphere extratropics beyond day 2 from the surface to the upper troposphere. The impact is mixed in other regions, depending on level or forecast lead time. Causes for these mixed results are examined in view of future experiments and eventual operational implementation.

Corresponding author address: Louis Garand, Environment Canada, Data Assimilation and Satellite Meteorology Section, 2121 Trans-Canada Highway, Dorval QC H9P 1J3, Canada. E-mail: louis.garand@canada.ca

Abstract

This study highlights recent progress at the Canadian Meteorological Centre in the assimilation of Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) radiance observations that are sensitive to land surfaces. The assimilation is carried out using the Canadian global ensemble–variational system. That system benefits from flow-dependent background-error statistics that include covariances between surface skin temperature and atmospheric variables. Up to 142 channels from both AIRS and IASI are assimilated. A detailed database of spectral surface emissivity is used. Forecasts are evaluated against ERA-Interim analyses, own-cycle analyses, and radiosonde observations. A conservative approach is taken, with restrictive conditions on topography and surface emissivity. From 2-month assimilation experiments, a significant positive impact is obtained in the Northern Hemisphere extratropics beyond day 2 from the surface to the upper troposphere. The impact is mixed in other regions, depending on level or forecast lead time. Causes for these mixed results are examined in view of future experiments and eventual operational implementation.

Corresponding author address: Louis Garand, Environment Canada, Data Assimilation and Satellite Meteorology Section, 2121 Trans-Canada Highway, Dorval QC H9P 1J3, Canada. E-mail: louis.garand@canada.ca
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Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology

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