The Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation: formation and achievements

Abstract

The Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation (JCSDA) was established by NASA and NOAA in 2001, with the DoD becoming a partner in 2002. The goal of the JCSDA is to accelerate the use of observations from earth-orbiting satellites in operational numerical analysis and prediction models for the purpose of improving weather forecasts, improving seasonal to interannual climate forecasts, and increasing the accuracy of climate data sets. Advanced instruments of the current and planned satellite missions, do and will increasingly provide large volumes of data related to atmospheric, oceanic, and land surface state. These data will exhibit accuracies and spatial, spectral and temporal resolutions never before achieved. The JCSDA will ensure that the maximum benefit from investment in space is realised from the advanced global observing system. It will also help accelerate the use of satellite data from both operational and experimental spacecraft for weather and climate related activities. To this end the advancement of data assimilation science by JCSDA has included the establishment of the JCSDA Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM) and continual upgrades including, the incorporation of AIRS and snow and ice emissivity models for improving the use of microwave sounding data over high latitudes, preparation for use of METOP IASI/AMSU/HSB, DMSP SSMIS and CHAMP GPS data, real-time delivery of EOS-Aqua AMSR-E to NWP centers, and improved physically based SST analyses. Eighteen other research projects are also being supported by the JCSDA (e.g. use of cloudy radiances from advanced satellite instruments) to develop a state of-the-art satellite data assimilation system. The work undertaken by the JCSDA represents a key component of GEOSS. In particular data assimilation, data impact studies, OSSEs, THORPEX and network design studies are key activities of GEOSS.