Convective and Orographically-induced Precipitation Study

Weather forecast models have not been successful in improving the Quantitative Precipitation Forecast during the last 16 years. One reason for this stagnation is the lack of comprehensive, high-quality data sets usable for model validation as well as for data assimilation, thus leading to improved initial fields in numerical models. Theoretical analyses have identified the requirements measured data have to meet in order to close the gaps in process understanding. In field campaigns, it has been shown that the newest generation of remote sensing systems has the potential to yield data sets of the required quality. It is therefore time to combine the most powerful remote sensing instruments with proven ground-based and airborne measurement techniques in an Intensive Observations Period (IOP). Its goal is to serve as a backbone for the Priority Program SPP 1167 by producing the demanded data sets of unachieved accuracy and resolution. This requires a sophisticated scientific preparation and a careful coordination between the efforts of the institutions involved. For the first time, the pre-convective environment, the formation of clouds and the onset and development of precipitation as well as its intensity will be observed in four dimensions simultaneously in a region of sufficient size. This shall be achieved by combining the IOP with international programs and by collaboration between leading scientists in Europe, US, and other countries. Thus, the IOP, which we call Convective and Orographically-induced Precipitation Study (COPS), is a unique opportunity for an international field campaign featuring the newest generation of measurement systems such as scanning radar and lidar and leading to outstanding advances in atmospheric sciences.

Please be aware of the common COPS/GOP/D-PHASE data policy, which you please find at
http://cops.wdc-climate.de/

气象预报模型在过去16年内未能显著提升定量降水预报的准确性。导致这一停滞不前的因素之一，在于缺乏全面、高质量的数据集，这些数据集不仅适用于模型验证，亦适用于数据同化，从而改善数值模型中的初始场。理论分析已明确指出，为了弥补对过程理解上的不足，测量数据必须满足的要求。在实地考察中，最新一代遥感系统产生所需质量数据集的潜力已得到证实。因此，将最为强大的遥感仪器与经过验证的地面及机载测量技术相结合，在一个密集观测期（IOP）中进行，显得尤为迫切。该观测期的目标是为优先项目SPP 1167提供所需的高精度和高分辨率数据集。这要求进行复杂的科学准备，并需精心协调各方机构的努力。首次，将实现对对流前环境、云的形成以及降水的开始和发展及其强度的四维同时观测，在足够大的区域内进行。这将通过将IOP与国际项目相结合，以及欧洲、美国及其他国家顶尖科学家的合作来实现。因此，我们称之为对流与地形诱导降水研究（COPS）的IOP，成为一次独特的国际实地考察机会，该考察将运用最新一代的测量系统，如扫描雷达和激光雷达，并在大气科学领域取得卓越的进步。请留意COPS/GOP/D-PHASE数据政策，相关政策请查阅http://cops.wdc-climate.de/。