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Initialization of the NCEP Eta/NAM Model DST with Uncoupled NLDASE Land Surface States
Investigators: Brian A. Cosgrove (PI, NASA/GSFC/SAIC), Charles Alonge (Co-I, NASA/GSFC/SAIC),
Paul Houser (Co-I, CREW), Ken Mitchell (NOAA/NCEP/EMC), Michael Ek (NOAA/NCEP/EMC),
Keith Brill (NOAA/NCEP/EMC), Eric Rogers (NOAA/NCEP/EMC), Matt Pyle (NOAA/NCEP/EMC).
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Abstract
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The NASA Applications Program seeks to transfer NASA data, models, and knowledge into the hands
of end-users through forming links with partner agencies and associated decision support tools (DSTs).
This project furthers that goal by strengthening the existing partnership
between NASA and NOAA and by using NASA resources to improve NOAA weather forecasts.
NASA resources utilized in this effort included the Land Information System (LIS) and MODIS snow cover data,
while NOAA's contribution consisted of the NOAA NCEP Eta model DST (recently renamed the NAM model).
Using the proven uncoupled modeling approach implemented in the
North American Land Data Assimilation System Arakawa E (NLDASE) project,
LIS was used to generate land surface states which were then used to initialize NCEP's Eta model
in place of the standard operational initial conditions.
The concept upon which this research is based is the following: that improved Eta model initial
land surface conditions will lead to improved Eta model meteorological forecasts.
This theory was rigorously tested through a series of retrospective Eta model simulations.
Twenty control simulations and 60 experimental simulations were conducted over the time period May 1-10, 2003.
Forecasts of surface and upper air meteorological fields, as well as precipitation, were validated
against observations using NCEP's Forecast Verification System (FVS) and site-specific comparisons
with several in-situ monitoring networks. Several conclusions emerged from this research
and are detailed in the Benchmark Report below.
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NASA Products
Land Information System (LIS) and MODIS snow cover data
Project Partners
NOAA/NCEP/EMC
Decision Support Tools
The Eta Model is NOAA's main mesoscale model and is the DST component of the
North American Land Data Assimilation System (NLDASE).
The Eta Model is a non-traditional DST because it is:
- not highly focused on a single mission or type of disaster
- not limited to certain geographical locations within the Uited States
- does not automatically issue suggested actions/responses
However, the Eta Model performs the basic DST mission of integrating data, and
out-putting a product (a weather forecast) that can be used to aide decision-making processes.
- Forecasts are used by hundreds of forecasters each day, and indirectly by millions
of public and private end users
- Benefits a wide range of public and private interests, impacting decision makers in
agricultural, economic, transportation, military, and resource management areas.
- Chosen for its broad use in the forecasting community.
Reports
