Global Atmospheric Model

The ECMWF Atmospheric Global Circulation is a general atmospheric model that describes the dynamical evolution of the atmosphere worldwide.   It is executed at resolutions appropriate for medium-range (currently 9km), extended range (currently 36km), and seasonal forecasts (currently 36km).  The model uses the most accurate estimate of the current conditions.  It has the most up-to-date description of the model physics and includes atmospheric dynamical processes and a representation of the stratosphere.  Throughout execution it employs modelled land surface conditions (e.g. snow cover, soil moisture, vegetation, etc.), and ocean conditions (e.g. sea-surface temperature, sea ice, etc.).  Together these help deliver Rossby wave propagation, weather regime changes, etc.

A single execution of the model does not give definitive results.  Any individual forecast may or may not be skilful and it cannot provide an estimate of uncertainty, or the confidence to be placed on the forecast.  To address this problem an ensemble of forecasts is executed, each starting from a slightly perturbed analysis.  The perturbations are not arbitrary but are designed to be what are believed to be possible truths.  The members of the ensemble then represent the impact that changes to the initial conditions and physical parameterisations would actually have on the atmospheric evolution.  This enables assessment of the uncertainty in the forecast, and also gives an indication of the predictability of the future evolution of weather systems.


Changes and improvements are outlined in the latest IFS model upgrade Cy48r1 .