|
MMS ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES PROGRAM: ONGOING STUDIES |
||
|
MMS OCS Region: |
||
|
Planning Area: |
Central and Western |
|
|
Title: |
Satellite Data Assimilation Into Meteorological/Air Quality Models (GM-04-x16) |
|
|
Total Cost: $275,192 |
Period of Performance: FY 2005‑2008 |
|
|
Conducting Organization: |
|
|
|
MMS Contact: |
||
|
Description: Background: Fine scale (4 kilometers) specification for surface moisture availability and surface heat capacity are critical to accurate model temperature and boundary layer estimation, which, along with cloud radiative characteristics - directly affect meteorological/air quality model performance. There aren’t routine observational data available at the necessary scale, but satellite imagery/sounding data can potentially to fill this void and more accurately specify the critical parameters - moisture, heat capacity and cloud radiative characteristics, thereby improving meteorological and air quality model performance. Moisture availability in current models is generally estimated using land use characteristics and land surface parameterization schemes. In coastal areas, plant transpiration can dominate moisture availability making an a priori specification of root zone moisture and transpiration characteristics problematic. With the use of satellite data these uncertainties are minimized. Individual model grid cells contain multiple vegetative types, from bare soil to manmade structures but by using evening satellite skin temperature tendencies as a constraint, an improved specification of model grid surface heat capacity can be estimated. Clouds in coastal areas play a critical role in the development of surface temperatures and photolysis rates due to cloud shading. Satellite observed; solar insolation, cloud transmittance and cloud top pressures can provide the necessary cloud characteristics needed for improved air quality model photolysis calculations. |
||
|
Objectives: The specific objective of this study is the evaluation of the effects of satellite data assimilation on meteorological/air quality model performance. |
||
|
Methods: This proposal will provide insight regarding the value of incorporating satellite data into the meteorological/air quality modeling process. The proposed effort will consist of four major elements: 1) data analysis of special meteorological/air quality data sets; 2) selecting an appropriate episode period for modeling; 3) assimilating satellite data; 4) Modeling with and without satellite data assimilation; 4) evaluating model performance. |
||
|
Products: Quarterly and Final reports and peer reviewed articles. |
||
|
Importance to MMS: The information gathered will be used as part of the air quality strategic partnering effort to improve meteorological/air quality models used in coastal areas. |
||
|
Current Status: Quarterly Report |
||
|
Final Report Due: |
October 2008 |
|
|
Publications: |
None |
|
|
Affiliated WWW Sites: |
None |
|
|
Revised date: |
February 2008 |
|
|
ESPIS |
ESPIS
- All completed ESP Studies: |
|