USE OF SATELLITE DATA AND ENHANCED PHYSICS TO IMPROVE WAVE PREDICTIONS

Assimilation of satellite observations in wave modelling is briefly described. The results obtained from numerical tests to highlight the impact of assimilation of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) observation are presented and discussed. Two enhancements to the wave modelling physics (namely: wind gustiness and quasi-realistic variable air density) are introduced into wave model. The impact of this change is presented and discussed. The tests of SAR assimilation and enhanced physics show slight but positive impact. Therefore, ECMWF operational model included the enhanced physics described here since April 9, 2002, while the SAR assimilation will be operational soon.