Title: The Design and Validation of Observing System Simulation Experiments at NASA's Global Modeling and Assimilation Office

Authors: Ronald M. Errico (MSU/GESTAR, NASA/GMAO)
Nikki Privé (MSU/GESTAR, NASA/GMAO)
King-Sheng Tai (SAIC, NASA/GMAO)

Observing system simulation experiments (OSSEs) are intended to examine the effects of present or proposed atmospheric observing systems on the products of data assimilation systems. Instead of relying on imperfect observations of the imperfectly-known real atmosphere, they employ simulated observations having prescribed errors and drawn from a perfectly-known simulation of nature. By this means, experiments can be performed to estimate otherwise elusive analysis error statistics and the potential of observing instruments yet to be deployed, thus helping to improve data assimilation systems and their products and to better evaluate proposals for competing new instruments. As with any simulation, a good OSSE requires adequate validation of the simulation verses reality as quantified using a variety of metrics. The approach for OSSE development and validation at the GMAO will be described along with some of the latest results.

GMAO Head: Michele Rienecker Global Modeling and Assimilation Office NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Curator: Nikki Privé Last Updated: May 27 2011