Enabling the Assimilation of CrIS Shortwave Infrared Observations in Global NWP at NOAA. Part II: OSEs and Results

Abstract The assimilation of data from hyperspectral infrared sounders in global data assimilation systems has historically been focused on observations in the longwave infrared (LWIR) region of the spectrum (650–1100 cm −1 ) despite the often concurrent availability of measurements from the shortwave infrared (SWIR) region of the spectrum (2150–2550 cm −1 ) because issues (like solar effects) have generally prevented the assimilation of SWIR observations. Recent advances in radiative transfer models have worked to address some of the previous challenges in simulating SWIR observations, and the assimilation of SWIR data (e.g., from potential future small-satellites) is now a feasible prospect. Still, a better understanding of how these observations perform in a data assimilation system and impact resulting analyses and NWP forecasts is necessary. In this study, the value of SWIR observations in global NWP is assessed by assimilating SWIR observations from the Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) in National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS). The methodologies used to enable the assimilation of these observations, including the implementation of a scene-dependent observation error and the enhancement of quality control procedures, are discussed, as are the results of observing system experiments (OSEs) conducted to evaluate the impact of assimilating SWIR observations on forecast skill. The overall results show that SWIR assimilation produces similar forecast impacts to LWIR assimilation. The ability to demonstrate that the assimilation or SWIR observations in NWP is a realistic prospect may help shape future constellations of small satellites to serve as a beneficial complement to the current constellation if hyperspectral infrared (IR) sounders.