Research on the Application of Atmospheric Motion Vector from MetOp Satellite Series in CMA-GFS

Atmospheric motion vector (AMV) products from EUMETSAT’s MetOp satellite series, including MetOp-B, MetOp-C, and the MetOp-B/C tandem (MetOp-Dual), have been assimilated at many numerical weather prediction centers worldwide. However, they have not yet been applied in the China Meteorological Administration’s Global Forecast System (CMA-GFS). This study addresses this gap by developing assimilation techniques, including quality control and thinning methods for MetOp AMVs. Based on these techniques, one-month assimilation and forecasting experiments reveal that MetOp AMVs increased the AMV volume in CMA-GFS by 25%, filling certain gaps over polar and oceanic areas. Notable and steady improvements in the background of CMA-GFS have been found, particularly in polar and high-latitude regions. The usable forecast lead time for the global 500 hPa geopotential height is extended by 0.22 days, enhancing the reliability of medium-range forecasts. Furthermore, the more substantial improvements in short-range (0–3 days) forecasting, potentially benefit severe weather alerting. This study marks the first to successfully apply MetOp-B, MetOp-C and MetOp-Dual products in CMA-GFS, confirming their value for improving the performance of the system.