OSSEs in Support of Improving Ocean Model Initialization for Coupled Hurricane Intensity Prediction
George Halliwell
NOAA/AOML
Noon September 23 in NCWCP Conference Center
Abstract: A new ocean Observing System Simulation
Experiment (OSSE) system has been set up in the tropical and
subtropical Atlantic Ocean with the initial goal of determining the
impact of existing and planned ocean observing systems on improving
hurricane intensity forecasts. The capability of the system to provide
credible impact assessments is demonstrated by comparing Observing
System Experiments to OSSEs. Two types of OSSEs are being performed for
the purpose of improving ocean model initialization in coupled
hurricane forecast models: seasonal and storm-relative. Design
characteristics of these OSSE types are presented along with a summary
of early results during the 2009 hurricane season including Hurricane
Bill. Future plans will be summarized.