Application of altimeter observation to El Nino
prediction.
Abstract
The usability of altimeter sea level data (TOPEX/POSEIDON)
and scatterometer wind data (QuikSCAT) in ENSO prediction is
investigated
with the latest version of the Lamont forecast model. The emphasis
of this
study is on the effectiveness of these data sets in initializing the
model to
forecast the 1999-2000 La Nina conditions. Both the altimeter and
scatterometer observations helped to improve the model, with the
former
being more effective for this period. It is possible and extremely
useful to
apply these data to real-time ENSO forecasting. In principle, it is
advisable
to assimilate multiple data sets so that they can complement one
another in
providing the correct initial conditions for the model.
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