A convective‐scale 1,000‐member ensemble simulation and potential applications

Author(s)
Tobias Necker, Stefan Geiss, Martin Weissmann, Juan Ruiz , Takemasa Miyoshi, Guo‐Yuan Lien
Abstract

This study presents the first convective‐scale 1,000‐member ensemble simulation over central Europe, which provides a unique data set for various applications. A comparison with the operational regional 40‐member ensemble of Deutscher Wetterdienst shows that the 1,000‐member simulation exhibits realistic spread properties overall. Based on this, we discuss two potential applications. First, we quantify the sampling error of spatial covariances of smaller subsets compared with the 1,000‐member simulation. Knowledge about sampling errors and their dependence on ensemble size is crucial for ensemble and hybrid data assimilation and for developing better approaches for localization in this context. Secondly, we present an approach for estimating the relative potential impact of different observable quantities using ensemble sensitivity analysis. This will provide the basis for consecutive studies developing future observation and data assimilation strategies. Sensitivity studies on the ensemble size indicate that about 200 ensemble members are required to estimate the potential impact of observable quantities with respect to precipitation forecasts.

Organisation(s)
Department of Meteorology and Geophysics
External organisation(s)
Hans Ertel Centre for Weather Research, Centro de Investigaciones del Mar y la Atmosfera, CIME/CONICET‐UBA, Ulmer Fundamental Symmetries Laboratory, Central Weather Bureau, Taiwan
Journal
Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society
Volume
146
Pages
1423-1442
No. of pages
20
ISSN
0035-9009
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/qj.3744
Publication date
04-2020
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
105206 Meteorology
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Atmospheric Science
Portal url
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/a-convectivescale-1000member-ensemble-simulation-and-potential-applications(318e78b5-5bd7-480c-962b-de15d785bbc3).html