Enabling the Assimilation of CrIS Shortwave Infrared Observations in Global NWP at NOAA. Part I: Background and Methods

Abstract Radiance observations from Earth-observing satellites have a significant positive impact on numerical weather prediction (NWP) forecasts, but some spectral regions are not fully exploited. Observations from hyperspectral infrared (IR) sounders in the longwave region (650–1100 cm −1 ), for instance, are routinely assimilated in many NWP models, but observations in the shortwave region (2155–2550 cm −1 ) are not. Each of these regions provides information on the temperature structure of the atmosphere, but the shortwave IR (SWIR) region is considered challenging to assimilate due to noise-equivalent delta temperature (NEDT) that is highly variable depending on scene brightness temperature and to phenomena that are difficult to model, like nonlocal thermodynamic equilibrium (NLTE) and solar reflectance. With recent advances in small-satellite technology, SWIR temperature sounders may provide an agile and cost-effective complement to the current constellation of IR sounders. Therefore, a better understanding of the use and impact of SWIR observations in data assimilation for NWP is warranted. In Part I of this study, as presented here, the amount of unique information [as determined by empirical orthogonal decomposition (EOD)] made available to a data assimilation system by Cross-track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) SWIR observations is reviewed, recent advancements to the Community Radiative Transfer Model (CRTM) for the simulation of CrIS shortwave radiances are tested, and enhancements to NOAA’s Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS) for the assimilation of CrIS SWIR observations are implemented and evaluated. Part II of this study, which seeks to assess the value of assimilating shortwave IR observations in global NWP, is also introduced.