Assimilation of Dropsonde, Doppler Radar & Satellite Observations

Funds are provided to conduct fundamental research improve the understanding of the dynamics and predictability of tropical cyclones by directly assimilating airborne field observations (flight-level data, dropsondes and Doppler radar) and/or all-sky satellite observations with advanced ensemble-based data assimilation techniques. The satellite observations of particular interest are brightness temperatures from geosynchronous satellites and microwave observations from polar orbiters. Major objectives of the proposed project include:1. Exploring the use of advanced data assimilation techniques for assimilating in-situ and remotely sensed observations for improving tropical cyclone prediction; 2. Improving understanding of the role of environmental conditions versus inner-core structure in the development and predictability of tropical cyclones; and3. Extending the ensemble-based data assimilation for simultaneous state and parameter estimation to address the major parametric uncertainties in hurricane prediction models such as the air-sea exchange coefficients.