Constant pressure trajectories based on NCMRWF analyses - Verification andresults

Observed trajectories of 12 constant pressure balloons, which were launched from Goa during INDOEX-IFP, are compared with 5-day forward and backward t rajectories calculated using NCMRWF operational 12-h analyses. The backward trajectories are better than the forward ones. It appears that unresolved coastal circulation can dominate the initial part of the balloon flight fro m Goa, Five-day and 10-day composite forward trajectories for isobaric surf ace 925hPa originating from Delhi, Calcutta, Chennai, Goa and Mumbai are pr esented for the period of the experiment. Backward trajectories originating from the daily locations of ORV Sagar Kanya at 00 UTC, during Cruise-SK141 , are presented for 950hPa and 200 hPa.