Microphysics in Multi-scale Modeling System with Unified Physics

Wei-Kuo Tao
NASA/GSFC
2:30pm, Wednesday 26 Feb, room 2155

Abstract:

Recently, several major improvements of ice microphysical processes (or schemes) have been developed for cloud-resolving models (Goddard Cumulus Ensemble, GCE, model), regional scale (Weather Research and Forecast, WRF) model and a coupled GCM-CRM model (called multi-scale modeling Framework or MMF). These improvements include an improved 3-ICE (cloud ice, snow and graupel) scheme (Lang et al. 2011); a 4-ICE (cloud ice, snow, graupel and hail; Lang et al. 2013) scheme and a spectral bin microphysics scheme and two different two-moment microphysics schemes. These models have improved the radiative processes and their interactions with cloud and aerosol.

The performance of these schemes has been evaluated by using observational data from TRMM/CloudSat and major field campaigns. In this talk, we will present high-resolution GCE, WRF and MMF model simulations and compare the model results with observations [i.e., Anvil and Aerosol (AMMA 2006); MCSs (MC3E; 2010; and IFloodS; 2013, diurnal variation), three snow events (cold-season campaigns (Canadian CloudSAT/CALIPSO Validation Project (C3VP), GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment (GCPEx) and Light Precipitation Validation Experiment (LPVEx), and CloudSat/TRMM]. In addition, the main issues of the microphysics schemes in high-resolution (1-6 km grid spacing) numerical models and issues during two real-time forecasts during MC3E and IFloodS will be discussed.