Data assimilation: From photon counts to Earth System forecasts

Mathieu, P.-P. and O'Neill, A. (2007) Data assimilation: From photon counts to Earth System forecasts. Remote Sensing of Environment, 112 (4). 1258 -1267 . ISSN 0034-4257 doi: 10.1016/j.rse.2007.02.040

Abstract/Summary

Data assimilation – the set of techniques whereby information from observing systems and models is combined optimally – is rapidly becoming prominent in endeavours to exploit Earth Observation for Earth sciences, including climate prediction. This paper explains the broad principles of data assimilation, outlining different approaches (optimal interpolation, three-dimensional and four-dimensional variational methods, the Kalman Filter), together with the approximations that are often necessary to make them practicable. After pointing out a variety of benefits of data assimilation, the paper then outlines some practical applications of the exploitation of Earth Observation by data assimilation in the areas of operational oceanography, chemical weather forecasting and carbon cycle modelling. Finally, some challenges for the future are noted.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/966
Item Type	Article
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Science > School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences > Department of Meteorology
Uncontrolled Keywords	Earth Observation; Data assimilation; Earth System modelling; Earth Observation System of systems; Kalman Filter; Variational assimilation
Publisher	Elsevier
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