Hybrid methods combining atmospheric reanalysis data and a parametric typhoon model to hindcast storm surges in Tokyo Bay

Reanalysis data and a parametric typhoon model formula are often used to prepare wind and pressure fields for storm surge hindcasting. However, their optimum selection and usage have not been well established. To enhance the accuracy of wind and pressure fields, two hybrid methods were proposed by applying a parametric typhoon model of Mitsuta–Fujii’s formula, which is determined from the typhoon center to a certain radius of R(b), and then switching to the reanalysis data of ERA-Interim in the outer region through the interpolated transition bandwidth of W(b). In hybrid model I, R(b) and W(b) were fixed because the time-varying radius of the maximum wind speed was determined by the typhoon formula. In hybrid model II, these parameters were determined to minimize the mean difference between the reanalysis data and the fields obtained by typhoon formula in the transition band at each time step of the typhoon track. The hindcasting of eight significant typhoon events approaching Tokyo Bay was performed. This validated the proposed methods in comparison with the observed storm surge anomalies. Both models performed satisfactorily. Hybrid model II was found to be superior in terms of the balance of accuracy and preparation cost.