A qualitative example of the new analysis is shown in Figs. 1 and 2. 2a and 2b show a high-level example at 400 hPa from the same time. The newer variational approach appears to capture more humidity structure away from the cloud. Furthermore, the gradient about the cloud appears more gradual and perhaps is more realistic.
More validation is required to establish that the new method is rendering a more accurate analysis .
1b Same as Fig. 1a with the newer variational method using clouds and GVAP data. 2b Similar to Fig. 1b except at 400 hPa. The new functional solution is now being tested with broader focus on the run times and feasibility of real-time operation.