A Study of the Underlying Surface Parameters Influence on Quality of the Hydrodynamic Forecasts for the Territory of East Africa

H. A. Kabelva, E. V. Kurzeneva, G. O. Ganbat, and A. V. Senkova

An assessment of a new ECOCLIMAP database in terms of the short-range hydrodynamic (Numerical Weather Prediction, NWP) forecasting skills of the HIRLAM model is presented for the territory of East Africa (Tanzania). It was done by incorporating of the ECOCLIMAP database into the HIRLAM NWP system and performing of numerical experiments. The decision-making principles for usage of the ECOCLIMAP database and recommendations for its further development are formulated. Results of intercomparison of the underlying surface parameter fields obtained from the HCS and ECOCLIMAP databases are discussed; it was revealed that, for the territory of East Africa those fields are essentially different. The annual cycle of the parameters obtained from the ECOCLIMAP database is more feasible. It was concluded that use of this database in the HIRLAM NWP system for East Africa (Tanzania) is advisable.