1D+3DVar assimilation of radar reflectivity data: a proof of concept

Olivier Caumont; Véronique Ducrocq; Éric Wattrelot; Geneviève Jaubert; Stéphanie Pradier-Vabre

doi:10.1111/j.1600-0870.2009.00430.x

1D+3DVar assimilation of radar reflectivity data: a proof of concept

Tellus

Volume 62 (2010): Issue 2

By: Olivier Caumont, Véronique Ducrocq, Éric Wattrelot, Geneviève Jaubert and Stéphanie Pradier-Vabre

Open Access

|Jan 2010

Abstract

An original one-dimensional (1-D) retrieval followed by a three-dimensional variational (1D+3DVar) assimilation technique is being developed to assimilate volumes of radar reflectivity data in the high-resolution numerical weather prediction Arome model.

The good performance of the 1-D retrieval is shown for an isolated storm over southwestern France through an observing system simulation experiment. The full method is applied with real data to a flash-flood event, which occurred in a mountainous area. For this complex case, the assimilation of reflectivity data improves short-term precipitation forecasts. The assimilation of reflectivity data has a positive impact on the convective system’s dynamics by feeding the cold pool under the storm, which controls the intensity and location of the updrafts. A one-hourly update cycle of 3 h further improves these results.

A sensitivity study is also presented to evaluate the assimilation method for this flash-flood event in different conditions. The smoothing coefficient involved in the 1-D retrieval is shown to have a very small impact on analyses and quantitative precipitation forecasts. The assimilation of reflectivity data is found to be able to cause the creation of a cold pool, which modifies favourably the precipitation quantitative forecast. Finally, results from an 8-d-long assimilation cycle are presented.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0870.2009.00430.x | Journal eISSN: 3035-9554

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Language: English

Page range: 173 - 187

Submitted on: Feb 16, 2009

Accepted on: Aug 14, 2009

Published on: Jan 1, 2010

Published by: Stockholm University Press

In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services

© 2010 Olivier Caumont, Véronique Ducrocq, Éric Wattrelot, Geneviève Jaubert, Stéphanie Pradier-Vabre, published by Stockholm University Press
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.

Volume 62 (2010): Issue 2