This 4-day intensive course on advanced data-assimilation methods will be given by members of the Data Assimilation Research Centre and the National Centre for Earth Observation. The course will provide an introduction to all data-assimilation methods used in numerical weather prediction, including the latest developments. All methods will be derived from a common framework to provide an overview of the assumptions and hence applicability of the different methods. The course also provides hands-on computer practicals to see the methods in action and gain a better understanding of their working. For those unfamiliar with data assimilation, or those who are keen to develop a deeper understanding of data assimilation methods, this course is a solid preparation for the main Data Assimilation ECMWF course held on 5-8 March 2019.

To apply for this course, please send an email to Amos Lawless, with a short description of your current research interests (around 50-100 words).

An overview of the subjects covered is given below, including some supplementary material covering the basic mathematics. A map of Reading, Whiteknights campus can be found here.

• Introduction to Data Assimilation
• Co-variances
• Computer practical covariances
• Variational Methods: Theory and practical issues
• Computer practicals Variational methods
• Ensemble Kalman Filter Methods: Theory and practical issues
• Computer practicals Ensemble Kalman filters
• Non-linear data assimilation and Particle Filters: Theory and practical issues
• Computer practicals Particle filters
• Hybrid Methods: Theory and practical issues
• Computer practicals Hybrid methods
• When to use which method