Using Stochastically Perturbed Parameterizations to Represent Model Uncertainty. Part II: Comparison with Existing Techniques in an Operational Ensemble

• Published in: Monthly weather review Vol. 150; no. 11; pp. 2859 - 2882
• Main Authors: McTaggart-Cowan, Ron, Separovic, Leo, Charron, Martin, Deng, Xingxiu, Gagnon, Normand, Houtekamer, Pieter L., Patoine, Alain
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington American Meteorological Society 01.11.2022
• Subjects: Configurations; Conservation; Estimates; Mathematical models; Modelling; Parameterization; Perturbation; Physics; Uncertainty
• ISSN: 0027-0644; 1520-0493
• DOI: 10.1175/MWR-D-21-0316.1

The ability of a stochastically perturbed parameterization (SPP) approach to represent uncertainties in the model component of the Canadian Global Ensemble Prediction System was demonstrated in Part I of this investigation. The goal of this second step in SPP evaluation is to determine whether the scheme represents a viable alternative to the current operational combination of a multiphysics configuration and stochastically perturbed parameterization tendencies (SPPT). An assessment of the impact of each model uncertainty estimate in isolation reveals that, although the multiphysics configuration is highly effective at generating ensemble spread, it is often the result of differing biases rather than a reflection of flow-dependent error growth. Moreover, some of the members of the multiphysics ensemble suffer from large errors on regional scales as a result of suboptimal configurations. The SPP scheme generates a greater diversity of member solutions than the SPPT scheme in isolation, and it has an impact on forecast performance that is similar to that of current operational uncertainty estimates. When the SPP framework is combined with recent upgrades to the model physics suite that are only applicable in the stochastic perturbation context, the quality of global ensemble guidance is significantly improved.