Progress in predictability studies in China (2003–2006)

Abstract

Since the last International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics General Assembly (2003), predictability studies in China have made significant progress. For dynamic forecasts, two novel approaches of conditional nonlinear optimal perturbation and nonlinear local Lyapunov exponents were proposed to cope with the predictability problems of weather and climate, which are superior to the corresponding linear theory. A possible mechanism for the “spring predictability barrier” phenomenon for the El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) was provided based on a theoretical model. To improve the forecast skill of an intermediate coupled ENSO model, a new initialization scheme was developed, and its applicability was illustrated by hindcast experiments. Using the reconstruction phase space theory and the spatio-temporal series predictive method, Chinese scientists also proposed a new approach to improve dynamical extended range (monthly) prediction and successfully applied it to the monthly-scale predictability of short-term climate variations. In statistical forecasts, it was found that the effects of sea surface temperature on precipitation in China have obvious spatial and temporal distribution features, and that summer precipitation patterns over east China are closely related to the northern atmospheric circulation. For ensemble forecasts, a new initial perturbation method was used to forecast heavy rain in Guangdong and Fujian Provinces on 8 June 1998. Additionally, the ensemble forecast approach was also used for the prediction of a tropical typhoons. A new downscaling model consisting of dynamical and statistical methods was provided to improve the prediction of the monthly mean precipitation. This new downscaling model showed a relatively higher score than the issued operational forecast.