WRF simulations to investigate processes across scales (WRFSCALE)

Abstract

Several scientific aspects ranging from boundary layer research and land modification experiments to data assimilation applications were addressed with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model from the km-scale down to the turbulence-permitting scale.

Due to the transition to the new Hawk system, most of the work done in the subprojects during the reporting period was related to cleaning up, configuration testing, transfer of data, and publication of the results of earlier simulations. Investigations were extended to a second case of the Land Atmosphere Feedback Experiment (LAFE) in the central United States. The model grid increment was refined from 100 m with 100 vertical levels to 20 m with 200 vertical levels, resulting in more detailed turbulence structures and stronger variability in the boundary layer. These are promising results and match well with lidar observations.