Real-time RUC images
The Assimilation and Modeling Branch (AMB) is home to much of the research in GSD on weather model development for operational forecasting and impact studies for new observing systems.
High-resolution numerical models and data aassimilation systems are developed by scientists in the AMB to support the NWS and the aviation community with accurate short-range forecasts based on the latest observations. The Rapid Update Cycle (RUC), an operational system within the National Weather Service (NWS), provides hourly updated national-scale numerical analyses and forecasts.
AMB scientists participate in the development of the Weather Research and Forecast (WRF) model, a next- generation mesoscale forecast model and assimilation system that will advance both the understanding and prediction of important mesoscale weather. A WRF-based replacement for the current RUC system, the Rapid Refresh (RR), is in ongoing development and testing at GSD.
AMB is leading the development of a next- generation coupled weather/air quality numerical prediction system based upon the WRF model, called WRF-Chem. Chemistry processes with over 70 constituents are fully coupled within the WRF model structure. Dynamical studies of mesoscale processes are conducted to improve understanding of the atmosphere. These studies include analysis of turbulence measurements from special field observations, including Air Quality experiments.
AMB scientists lead work with other scientists from NOAA/ESRL toward development of a new global model including use of the adaptive isentropic-sigma hybrid vertical coordinate successful with the RUC model, accurate finite-volume horizontal advection, and use of an icosahedral horizontal grid. ESRL is collaborating with NCEP/EMC and GFDL on development of the FIM model.
Flow-following Finite-volume Icosahedral Model
AMB has also conducted multi-year studies of forecast impact from different observing systems. AMB has examined the impact of the NOAA profiler network and the GPS ground-based precipitable water network (developed at NOAA/ESRL/GSD), and the Tropospheric Airborne Meteorological Data Reporting (TAMDAR) meteorological reports from regional commercial aircraft.