Using orthogonal vectors to improve the ensemble space of the ensemble Kalman filter and its effect on data assimilation and forecasting

Abstract

Abstract. The space spanned by the background ensemble provides a basis for correcting forecast errors in the ensemble Kalman filter. However, the ensemble space may not fully capture the forecast errors due to the limited ensemble size and systematic model errors, which affect the assimilation performance. This study proposes a new algorithm to generate pseudomembers to properly expand the ensemble space during the analysis step. The pseudomembers adopt vectors orthogonal to the original ensemble and are included in the ensemble using the centered spherical simplex ensemble method. The new algorithm is investigated with a six-member ensemble Kalman filter implemented in the 40-variable Lorenz model. Our results suggest that the ensemble singular vector, the ensemble mean vector, and their orthogonal components can serve as effective pseudomembers for improving the analysis accuracy, especially when the background has large errors.