Potential Use of an Ensemble of Analyses in the ECMWF Ensemble Prediction System

One of the crucial aspects of the design of an ensemble prediction system is the definition of the ensemble of initial states. This work investigates the use of singular vectors, an ensemble of analyses, and a combination of the two types of perturbations in the ECMWF operational ensemble prediction system. First, the similarity between perturbations generated using initialtime singular vectors (SVs) and analyses from ensemble data assimilation (EDA) system is assessed. Results show that the EDA perturbations are less localized geographically and have a better coverage of the tropics. EDA perturbations have also smaller scales than SV-based perturbations, and have a less evident vertical tilt with height, which explains why they grow less with the forecast time. Then, the use of EDA-based perturbations in the ECMWF ensemble prediction system is studied. Results indicate that if used alone, EDA-based perturbations lead to an under-dispersive and less skilful ensemble then one based on initial-time SVs only. Combining the EDA and the initial-time SVs gives a system with a better agreement between ensemble spread and the error of the ensemble-mean, a smaller ensemble-mean error and more skilful probabilistic forecasts than in the current operational system based on initial-time and evolved SVs.