Observation and model bias estimation in the presence of either or both sources of error

The success of bias correction can be limited by model errors. Here, simultaneous estimation of observation and model biases, and the model state for an analysis, is explored with ensemble data assimilation and a simple model.

The approach is based on parameter estimation using an augmented state in an ensemble adjustment Kalman filter. The observation biases are modeled with a linear term added to the forward operator. A bias is introduced in the forcing term of the model, leading to a model with complex errors that can be used in imperfect-model assimilation experiments.