The 4D ensemble Kalman filter data assimilation system for the whole neutral atmosphere has been updated. The update includes the introduction of a filter to reduce the generation of spurious waves, change in the order of horizontal diffusion of the forecast model to reproduce more realistic tidal amplitudes, and use of additional satellite observations. As a result, the analysis performance has been greatly improved, even for disturbances with periods of less than 1 d.

In order to have confidence in atmospheric predictions, it is important to know how well different numerical model simulations of the Earth’s atmosphere agree with one another. This work compares four different data assimilation models that extend to or beyond the mesosphere. Results shown here demonstrate that while the models are in close agreement below ~50 km, large differences arise at higher altitudes in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere that will need to be reconciled in the future.

The spatial pattern of subseasonal variability of the Asian monsoon anticyclone (AMA) is analyzed using long-term reanalysis data, integrating two different views using potential vorticity and the geopotential height anomaly. This study provides a link between two existing description of the Asian monsoon anticyclone, which is important for the understanding of the whole life cycle of its characteristic subseasonal variability pattern.

A new data assimilation system with a 4D local ensemble transform Kalman filter for the whole neutral atmosphere is developed using a T42L124 general circulation model. A conventional observation dataset and bias-corrected satellite temperature data are assimilated. After the improvements of the forecast model, the assimilation parameters are optimized. The minimum optimal number of ensembles is also examined. Results are evaluated using the reanalysis data and independent radar observations.

The contribution of vertical and horizontal advection to the production of small-scale vertical ozone structures in the stratosphere is investigated using data from an ozonesonde observation performed at intervals of 3 h in Fairbanks, Alaska. A case is reported in which horizontal advection due to an inertia gravity wave with near-inertial frequency mainly contributes to the formation of a small-scale vertical ozone structure in the middle stratosphere.