Original paper

Initial phase of the Hans-Ertel Centre for Weather Research – A virtual centre at the interface of basic and applied weather and climate research

Weissmann, Martin; Göber, Martin; Hohenegger, Cathy; Janjic, Tijana; Keller, Jan; Ohlwein, Christian; Seifert, Axel; Trömel, Silke; Ulbrich, Thorsten; Wapler, Kathrin; Bollmeyer, Christoph; Deneke, Hartwig

Meteorologische Zeitschrift Vol. 23 No. 3 (2014), p. 193 - 208

70 references

published: Sep 25, 2014
published online: Sep 19, 2014
manuscript accepted: May 15, 2014
manuscript revision received: Apr 30, 2014
manuscript revision requested: Feb 20, 2014
manuscript received: Nov 30, 2013

DOI: 10.1127/0941-2948/2014/0558

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Abstract

The Hans-Ertel Centre for Weather Research is a network of German universities, research institutes and the German Weather Service (Deutscher Wetterdienst, DWD). It has been established to trigger and intensify basic research and education on weather forecasting and climate monitoring. The performed research ranges from nowcasting and short-term weather forecasting to convective-scale data assimilation, the development of parameterizations for numerical weather prediction models, climate monitoring and the communication and use of forecast information. Scientific findings from the network contribute to better understanding of the life-cycle of shallow and deep convection, representation of uncertainty in ensemble systems, effects of unresolved variability, regional climate variability, perception of forecasts and vulnerability of society. Concrete developments within the research network include dual observation-microphysics composites, satellite forward operators, tools to estimate observation impact, cloud and precipitation system tracking algorithms, large-eddy-simulations, a regional reanalysis and a probabilistic forecast test product. Within three years, the network has triggered a number of activities that include the training and education of young scientists besides the centre's core objective of complementing DWD's internal research with relevant basic research at universities and research institutes. The long term goal is to develop a self-sustaining research network that continues the close collaboration with DWD and the national and international research community.

Keywords

Numerical weather prediction (NWP)nowcastingdata assimilationreanalysisforecast communicationmodel development