Using OSSEs to Evaluate the Impacts of Geostationary Infrared Sounders

Abstract An observing system simulation experiment (OSSE) was performed to assess the impact of assimilating hyperspectral infrared (IR) radiances from geostationary orbit on numerical weather prediction, with a focus proposed sounder board Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO) program’s central satellite. Infrared sounders platform would fill several gaps left by IR polar-orbiting satellites, and increased temporal resolution allow observation phenomena evolution. The framework for this OSSE Global Modeling Assimilation Office (GMAO) system, which includes full suite meteorological observations. additionally assimilated four identical create “ring” vertical profiling Based experimentation, assimilation provided beneficial analyzed mass wind fields, particularly in tropics, produced an error reduction initial 24–48 h subsequent forecasts. Specific attention paid GeoXO Sounder (GXS) over contiguous United States (CONUS) as is region that well-observed such difficult improve. forecast sensitivity (FSOI) metric, computed across all synoptic times CONUS, reveals GXS had largest 24-h satellite measured using moist energy norm. analysis, has potential improve prediction globally CONUS. Significance Statement purpose study understand part program prediction. evaluation done simulated environment, showed tropical fields Over States, well 24 results study,