Initial State Specification for Mesoscale Applications (gtSpecial IssueltData Assimilation in Meteology and Oceanography: Theory and Practice)

Abstract

Mesoscale data assimilation systems are being run at a number of operational and research centres as the demand for accurate mesoscale forecasts increases. In this paper, a review of some major issues and common practices in mesoscale data assimilation are considered with an emphasis on operational applications. Attention is focussed on the generation of an adequate initial state using a variety of conventional and non-conventional data sources and techniques.