This forecast is a research experiment to determine if the CRAS solution converges toward a realistic "climatology" for longer forecast periods. The forecast is initialized using half-degree resolution fields from the NCEP Global Forecast System (GFS). Three-hourly GFS fields at one-degree resolution are used to specify the equitorial boundary conditions. These are repeated every 24 hours to capture a diurnal cycle at the equator. This minimizes the influence of the GFS forecast solution on the 7-day CRAS forecast.
The purpose of the CRAS is to test the use of satellite observations in a numerical prediction model. The quality of a numerical forecast depends on having accurate observations of the environment to define the forecast model's initial state. This forecast is used to test how CRAS model physics and dynamics behave beyond a 72-hour forecast. This forecast is currently using no observations.
The CRAS is nested within the National Centers for Environmental Prediction's (NCEP) Global Forecast System (GFS) operational forecast.
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