Enhancing the Assimilation of SWOT Simulated Observations Using a Multi-Scale 4DVAR Method in Regional Ocean Modeling System

Abstract

This paper presents an innovative approach to enhance the assimilation of high-resolution simulated observations, specifically targeting Surface Water Ocean Topography (SWOT) Ka-band Radar Interferometer Sea Surface Height (SSH) products, within the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS). Responding to the demand for improved assimilation techniques, we developed a multi-scale Four-Dimensional Variational Data Assimilation (4DVAR) system, building upon validated fine-scale correction capabilities from prior studies. The multi-scale strategy was extended to the ROMS-4DVAR system, providing a comprehensive solution for assimilating high-resolution observations. Leveraging the Observing System Simulation Experiment (OSSE) framework, we conducted a twin experiment comprising a nature run and a free run case. Subsequently, synthetic SWOT SSH measurements were decomposed, considering the model configuration resolution. These components, derived from dense SSH observations, were integrated into a two-step 4DVAR assimilation scheme. The first cycle targets large-scale features for model field correction, and the updated analysis serves as the background for the second assimilation step, addressing fine-scale observation components. Comparisons with the primitive ROMS-4DVAR using a single-scale scheme highlight the superiority of the multi-scale strategy in reducing gaps between the model and the SSH observations. The Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) is halved, and the Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) decreases from 2.237% to 0.93%. The two-step assimilation procedure ensures comprehensive multi-scale updates in the SSH field simulation, enhancing fine-scale features in the analysis fields. The quantification of three-dimensional-model dynamic fields further validates the efficiency and superiority of the multi-scale 4DVAR approach, offering a robust methodology for assimilating high-resolution observations within the ROMS.