Visualization of Model Parameter Sensitivity along Trajectories in Numerical Weather Predictions

Abstract

Fig. 1. Visual analysis of the sensitivity of a state variable to selected model parameters (red names in curve-plot overlay) along warm conveyor belt trajectories in the extratropical cyclone "Vladiana", to assess uncertainties of parameterizations in numerical weather prediction models. State variable (blue) and maximum sensitivity (red) are color coded in view-aligned bands along trajectories. Embedded curve-plot shows statistical summaries of state variables and sensitivities. Selected sensitivities and state variables (in top to bottom order) are assigned to pie charts in the 3D view in clockwise order. Pie charts show values of multiple sensitivities or state variables along trajectories at selected time steps, or (as shown in Fig. 10) aligned to the time of ascent of each trajectory. View-aligned pie charts enable an effective comparison of sensitivities on multiple trajectories. The blue color on the ground shows surface precipitation.