Multiscale Four-Dimensional Data Assimilation

Abstract

Abstract Four-dimensional data assimilation (FDDA) schemes capable of effectively analyzing asynoptic, near-continuous data streams art especially important on the mesobeta scale for both model initialization and dynamic analysis. A multiscale nudging approach that utilizes grid nesting is investigated for the generation of complete, dynamically consistent datasets for the mesobeta scale. These datasets are suitable for input into air quality models, but can also be used for other diagnostic purposes including model initialization. A multiscale nudging strategy is used here to simulate the wind flow for two cases over the Colorado Plateau and Grand Canyon region during the winter of 1990 when a special mesobeta-scale observing system was deployed in the region to study the canyon's visibility impairment problem. The special data included Doppler sodars, profilers rawinsondes, and surface stations. Combinations of these data and conventional mesoalpha-scale data were assimilated into a nested version of th...