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Weather Research & Forecasting Model (WRF)

Weather Research & Forecasting Model (WRF). Stacey Pensgen ESC 452 – Spring ’06. WRF Outline. What is it? Timeline The Technical Aspect Future Work Conclusion. What is it?.

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Weather Research & Forecasting Model (WRF)

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  1. Weather Research & Forecasting Model (WRF) Stacey Pensgen ESC 452 – Spring ’06

  2. WRF Outline • What is it? • Timeline • The Technical Aspect • Future Work • Conclusion

  3. What is it? • Project to develop a “next generation” mesoscale forecast model that will enhance the understanding and prediction of mesoscale systems. • Collaborative effort between • NCAR (National Center for Atmospheric Research) • NCEP (National Centers for Environmental Prediction) • FSL (Forecast Systems Laboratory) • NOAA (National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration) • AFWA (Air Force Weather Agency) • Other institutions & organizations

  4. What is it? • Promote closer ties and a common framework between the research and operational forecasting communities. • Will also be used in research and operational applications. • Besides forecasting work, WRF is also intended for regional climate predictions, air quality simulations, and idealized dynamical studies.

  5. What is it? • Goal is to (based on it’s evaluations) eventually replace existing models, such as the Mesoscale Model (MM5) at NCAR, ETA at NCEP, and RUC at FSL. • Targeted for a 1-10 km grid scale. • Improved physics, especially for treatment & diagnosing convection and mesoscale precipitation.

  6. Timeline • 1st release (WRF 1.0) was November 30, 2000 • Full implementation as a research model by the end of 2002. • Full implementation as an operational forecasting model at NCEP and AFWA by the end of 2004 • Operational performance refinement from 2005-2008. http://www.srh.noaa.gov/ssd/presentations/Bernard/MICsHICs/slide8.html

  7. WRF compared to ETA, MM5, and actual observations. http://www.mmm.ucar.edu/wrf/users/workshops/WS2005/abstracts/Session1/4-Novak.pdf

  8. Technical Aspect • WRF is intended to be compatible – physics packages can be easily exchanged with other models. • WRF 1.0 prototype uses geometric height as vertical coordinate, but prototype also available that uses hydrostatic pressure as vertical coordinate. • Programming language: Fortran90!

  9. Technical Aspect • Included physics package plug-ins: • Microphysics • Boundary Layer • Surface Layer • Ground Layer • Subgrid 3D Turbulence/Diffusion • Cumulus Parameterization • Radiation (shortwave & longwave)

  10. Future Plans • Working to add other more advanced physical parameters: • Land surface processes • Baroclinic waves • Squall lines • Supercell thunderstorms

  11. Future Plans • Development work on 3DVAR system - a joint effort by all working on WRF to improve initialization using multiple observation techniques, including satellite (in addition to traditional synoptic forms).

  12. Conclusion • WRF Model is important because: • Provides a more advanced forecasting model for mesoscale precipitation events. • Promotes closer ties between research & forecasting fields. • Easily compatible with a variety of computing architectures. • Intended for a wide range of applications.

  13. References • http://www.mmm.ucar.edu/mm5/mpp/ecmwf01.htm • http://www-unix.mcs.anl.gov/~michalak/ecmwf98/final.html • http://www.mmm.ucar.edu/individual/skamarock/meso2001pp_wcs.pdf

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