Numerical weather prediction (NWP) forecasting systems are being continually extended to higher altitudes, with most operational NWP models now reaching the lower mesosphere.  In recent years, NRL has been at the forefront of this effort, developing versions of the Navy’s operational global forecasting system (NAVGEM) and next generation system (NEPTUNE) that extend from the surface to hundreds of kilometers into the thermosphere.

An NWP system includes a data assimilation (DA) component in addition to the forecast model. The DA algorithm combines a relatively accurate “first guess” forecast with the available meteorological observations to produce an analysis that is the “best estimate” of the true atmospheric state.  The analysis provides the initial state for forecasts and is an important product for many applications.  NRL had developed an ensemble Kalman filter data assimilation algorithm for surface to space forecasting systems and an opportunity exists for innovative research in techniques for upper atmosphere ensemble data assimilation.  This includes techniques that make optimal use of current atmospheric measurements, bringing new sources of observations online, and developing improvements to the LETKF algorithm.  

key words

Thermosphere; Data Assimilation; Numerical Weather Prediction; Atmosphere; Ionosphere; Forecasting;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants