Using a Nonlinear Forcing Singular Vector Approach to Reduce Model Error Effects in ENSO Forecasting

Abstract Nonlinear forcing singular vector (NFSV)-based assimilation is adopted to determine the model tendency errors that represent the combined effect of different kinds of model errors; then, an NFSV-tendency error forecast model is formulated. This error forecast model is coupled with an intermediate complex model (ICM) and makes the ICM output closer to the observations; finally, an NFSV-ICM forecast model for ENSO is constructed. The competing aspect of the NFSV-ICM is to consider not only model errors but also the interaction between model errors and initial errors because of the mathematical nature of the NFSV-tendency errors. Based on the prediction experiments for tropical SSTAs during either the training period (1960–96; i.e., when the NFSV-ICM is formulated) or the cross-validation period (1997–2016), the NFSV-ICM is determined to have a much higher forecast skill in predicting ENSO that, specifically, extends the skillful predictions of ENSO from a lead time of 6 months in the original ICM to a lead time of 12 months. The higher skill of the NFSV-ICM is especially reflected in the predictions of SSTAs in the central and western Pacific. For the well-known spring predictability barrier (SPB) phenomenon that greatly limits ENSO forecasting skill, the NFSV-ICM also shows great abilities in suppressing its negative effect on ENSO predictions. Although the NFSV-ICM is presently only involved with the NFSV-related assimilation of SSTs, it has shown its usefulness in predicting ENSO. It is clear that the NFSV-based assimilation approach is effective in dealing with the effect of model errors on ENSO forecasts.