Physics 2506, Fall 2015

Atmospheric Data Assimilation
and Retrieval Theory

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Data assimilation involves combining observations with model output to obtain a consistent, evolving 3-dimensional picture of the atmosphere. This process is used to generate an initial state for producing forecasts at operational weather forecast centers. Data assimilation can also provide added value to observations by filling in data gaps and inferring information about unobserved variables. In this course, common methods of data assimilation (optimal interpolation, Kalman filtering, variational methods) are introduced and derived in the context of estimation theory. The use of these methods for satellite data retrievals will also be presented. A hands-on approach will be taken so that methods introduced in the lectures will be implemented in computer assignments using toy models.

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Instructor: Prof. Dylan Jones

Office: McLennan Laboratory 707B
Phone: (416) 978-4992
Fax: (416) 978-8905
E-mail: dbj at atmosp dot physics.utoronto.ca

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Texts:

• Rodgers, C., 2000: Inverse Methods for Atmospheric Sounding, World Scientific Publishing.

• Lecture notes from Saroja Polavarapu will be distributed during class. Additional references include the course notes by Ricardo Todling and Daley (1991).

Assessments: Problems sets (50%), project (50%)

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Announcements

• Handouts on elementary matrix properties:
  1) Notes from Rodgers, Inverse Methods for Atmospheric Remote Sounding, 2000.
  2) Notes from Maybeck, Stochastic Models, Estimation, and Control, 1979

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Lecture Notes and Papers are Located Here

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Topics (not necessarily in order presented):

1. Retrieval Theory and Inverse Modelling

2. Introduction to Estimation Theory

3. Optimal Interpolation

4. Three-dimensional Variational Methods

5. The Linear Kalman Filter

6. Four-dimensinal Variational Methods

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References:

Daley, R., 1991: Atmospheric Data Analysis, Cambridge University Press.

Todling, R., 1999: Estimation Theory and Foundations of Atmospheric Data Assimilation, DAO Office Note 1999-01.

Enting, I., 2002: Inverse Problems in Atmospheric Constituent Transport, Cambridge University Press.

Swinbank, R., V. Shutyaev, and W. A. Lahoz, 2003: Data Assimilation for the Earth System, Kluwer Academic Publishers.

Kalnay, E., 2003: Atmospheric Modelling, Data Assimilation and Predictibility, Cambridge University Press.

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