• 대기
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• 제19권3호
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• pp.255-268
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• 2009

Based on the pilot reports (PIREPs) collected in South Korea from 2003 to 2008 and corresponding Regional Data Assimilation and Prediction System (RDAPS) analysis data of 30 km resolution, we validate the Korean Integrated Turbulence Forecasting Algorithm (KITFA) system that predicts clear-air turbulence (CAT) above the Korean peninsula. The CATs considered in this study are the upper level (higher than 20000 ft) turbulence excluding convectively induced turbulences. In the KITFA system, there are two main processes for predicting CATs: to select CAT indices and to determine their weighting scores. With the PIREPs observed for much longer period than those used in the current operational version of the KITFA system (March 4-April 8 of 2002), three improvable processes of the current KITFA system, re-calculation of weighting scores, change of method to calculate weighting scores, and re-selection of CAT indices, are tested. The largest increase of predictability is presented when CAT indices are selected by using longer PIREP data, with the minor change using different methods in calculation of weighting scores. The predictability is the largest in wintertime, and it is likely due to that most CAT indices are related to the jet stream that is strongest in wintertime. This result suggests that selecting proper CAT indices and calculating their weighting scores based on the longer PIREPs used in this study are required to improve the current KITFA.

• 대기
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• 제19권3호
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• pp.269-287
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• 2009

CAT (clear-air turbulence) forecasting algorithm, the Graphical Turbulence Guidance (GTG) system developed at NCAR (national center for atmospheric research), is evaluated with available observations (e.g., pilot reports; PIREPs) reported in South Korea during the recent 5 years (2003-2008, excluding 2005). The GTG system includes several steps. First, 44 CAT indices are calculated in the domain of the Regional Data Assimilation and Prediction System (RDAPS) analysis data with 30 km horizontal grid spacing provided by KMA (Korean Meteorological Administration). Second, 10 indices that performed ten best forecasting scores are selected. Finally, 10 indices are combined by measuring the score based on the probability of detection, which is calculated using PIREPs exclusively of moderate-or-greater intensity. In order to investigate the best performance of the GTG system in Korea, various statistical examinations and sensitivity tests of the GTG system are performed by yearly and seasonally classified PIREPs. Performances of the GTG system based on yearly distributed PIREPs have annual variations because the compositions of indices are different from each year. Seasonal forecasting is generally better than yearly forecasting, because selected CAT indices in each season represent meteorological condition much more properly than applying the selected CAT indices to all seasons. Wintertime forecasting is the best among the four seasonal forecastings. This is likely due to that the GTG system consists of many CAT indices related to the jet stream, and turbulence associated with the jet stream can be activated mostly in wintertime under strong jet magnitude. On the other hand, summertime forecasting skill is much less than other seasons. Compared with current operational CAT prediction system (KITFA; Korean Integrated Turbulence Forecasting System), overall performance of the GTG system is better when CAT indices are selected seasonally.