Title: Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) as tools for the investigation of data assimilation systems

Authors: Nikki Privé (GESTAR/GSFC)
Ronald Errico (GESTAR/GSFC)

Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) offer a unique setup for evaluation of the behavior of data assimilation systems. As the "true" state of the atmosphere is completely known in the OSSE via the Nature Run, some of the difficulties encountered when investigating the impact of observations in the real world may be circumvented. By verifying against the Nature Run, the influence of observations on the analysis can be quantified as useful or detrimental impacts. The Nature Run may be used as the initial condition for the forecast model to determine the role of model error; likewise perfect observations can be ingested into the data assimilation system to explore observation error.

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

Curator: Nikki Privé Last Updated: May 27 2011