1. CIMSS Regional Assimilation System for
MODIS Direct Broadcast Sites (DBCRAS)
CIMSS has configured a DBCRAS domain centered near Astana, Kazakhstan. Products from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) are used in a 12-hour spin-up forecast to initialize moisture and clouds.
The impact of assimilating total precipitable water and cloud-top pressure from MODIS is determined by comparing forecasts with and without the MODIS retrievals.
Without MODIS
(No clouds)
12 hour spin-up forecast
with MODIS
11 micron IR image computed from CRAS initial conditions valid 16Jan08, 12UTC. Initial conditions from NCEP GFS.
6.7 micron IR image computed from CRAS initial conditions valid 16Jan08, 12UTC. Initial conditions from NCEP GFS.
(R. Aune, ASPB)