scholarly journals Surface Wind Regionalization over Complex Terrain: Evaluation and Analysis of a High-Resolution WRF Simulation

2010 ◽  
Vol 49 (2) ◽  
pp. 268-287 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro A. Jiménez ◽  
J. Fidel González-Rouco ◽  
Elena García-Bustamante ◽  
Jorge Navarro ◽  
Juan P. Montávez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Complex Terrain ◽  
Dynamical Downscaling ◽  
Surface Wind ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Spatial Dimension ◽  
Weather Research And Forecasting ◽  
Observational Period ◽  
Spatiotemporal Resolution ◽  
Wind Variability ◽  
Spatial Coverage

Abstract This study analyzes the daily-mean surface wind variability over an area characterized by complex topography through comparing observations and a 2-km-spatial-resolution simulation performed with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model for the period 1992–2005. The evaluation focuses on the performance of the simulation to reproduce the wind variability within subregions identified from observations over the 1999–2002 period in a previous study. By comparing with wind observations, the model results show the ability of the WRF dynamical downscaling over a region of complex terrain. The higher spatiotemporal resolution of the WRF simulation is used to evaluate the extent to which the length of the observational period and the limited spatial coverage of observations condition one’s understanding of the wind variability over the area. The subregions identified with the simulation during the 1992–2005 period are similar to those identified with observations (1999–2002). In addition, the reduced number of stations reasonably represents the spatial wind variability over the area. However, the analysis of the full spatial dimension simulated by the model suggests that observational coverage could be improved in some subregions. The approach adopted here can have a direct application to the design of observational networks.

scholarly journals A Study on Microscale Wind Simulations with a Coupled WRF–CFD Model in the Chongli Mountain Region of Hebei Province, China

Atmosphere ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (12) ◽  
pp. 731
Author(s):  
Shaohui Li ◽  
Xuejin Sun ◽  
Shan Zhang ◽  
Shijun Zhao ◽  
Riwei Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Wind Field ◽  
Complex Terrain ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Mountain Region ◽  
Weather Research And Forecasting ◽  
Cfd Model ◽  
Improved Method ◽  
Comprehensive Understanding ◽  
Cfd Models ◽  
Computational Fluid Dynamics Cfd

To ensure successful hosting of the 2022 Olympic Winter Games, a comprehensive understanding of the wind field characteristics in the Chongli Mountain region is essential. The purpose of this research was to accurately simulate the microscale wind in the Chongli Mountain region. Coupling the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model is a method for simulating the microscale wind field over complex terrain. The performance of the WRF-CFD model in the Chongli Mountain region was enhanced from two aspects. First, as WRF offers multiple physical schemes, a sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate which scheme provided the best boundary condition for CFD. Second, to solve the problem of terrain differences between the WRF and CFD models, an improved method capable of coupling these two models is proposed. The results show that these improvements can enhance the performance of the WRF-CFD model and produce a more accurate microscale simulation of the wind field in the Chongli Mountain region.

scholarly journals A Study of the Interaction between Typhoon Francisco (2013) and a Cold-Core Eddy. Part I: Rapid Weakening

2020 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
pp. 355-377 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhanhong Ma
Keyword(s):  
Structural Changes ◽  
Surface Wind ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Ocean Model ◽  
Atmospheric Environment ◽  
Weather Research And Forecasting ◽  
Eye Size ◽  
Convective Bursts ◽  
Cold Core

Abstract Typhoon Francisco (2013) experienced unusually rapid weakening (RW) with its maximum surface wind decreasing by 45 kt (1 kt ≈ 0.51 m s−1) over 24 h as measured from the satellite-derived advanced Dvorak technique (ADT) dataset, which is more than twice the weakening rate defined as RW by DeMaria. The mechanisms leading to the extreme RW event of Francisco are examined based on observational analysis and simulations by coupling the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model, version 3.7, with the Stony Brook Parallel Ocean Model (sbPOM). The RW of Francisco took place in a relatively favorable atmospheric environment while passing over detrimental oceanic conditions, dominated by the presence of a cold-core eddy. The passages of two prior typhoons apparently intensified the cold-core eddy, contributing to a major role of eddy feedback on RW for Francisco. The structural changes in Francisco accompanying eddy interaction are characterized by a substantially enlarged eye size, which evolved from ~20 to ~100 km in diameter, as indicated from satellite images. Numerical simulations suggest that the eddy is prominent in weakening the intensity of Francisco during the storm–eddy interaction, with its role less significant but still comparable to that of the cold wake. Both the cooler water and stronger upward motion in the eddy lead to a larger sea surface temperature decrease induced by Francisco, which results in a nearly 50% decrease of surface enthalpy flux, suppressed convective bursts, and a 50% reduction in latent heat release. These results underscore the potential importance of open-ocean, cold-core eddies in contributing to the RW of tropical cyclones.

The European wind from observational and simulated databases

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elena García-Bustamante ◽  
Jorge Navarro ◽  
Jesús Fidel González-Rouco ◽  
E. Etor Lucio- Eceiza ◽  
Cristina Rojas-Labanda ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wind Field ◽  
Mesoscale Model ◽  
Surface Wind ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Horizontal Resolution ◽  
Spatial And Temporal Variability ◽  
Model Simulations ◽  
Wind Variability ◽  
Observational Database ◽  
Wind Velocities

<p>The New European Wind Atlas (https://map.neweuropeanwindatlas.eu) is developed based on the simulated wind field over Europe from a mesoscale model coupled to a microscale component through a statistical downscaling approach. The simulation that provides mesoscale inputs within the model chain has been decided upon a careful sensitivity analysis of potential model configurations. In order to accomplish model resolutions of 3 km over Europe, the broader European domain is partitioned into a set of 10 partially overlapping tiles. The wind field is simulated with the WRF model over these tiles and finally blended into a single domain. The wind outputs from a reference simulation is evaluated on the basis of its comparison with an observational database specifically compiled and quality controlled for the purpose of validating the wind atlas over the complete European domain. The observational database includes surface wind observations at ca. 4000 sites as well as 16 masts datasets. The observational dataset of surface wind (WISED) is informative about the spatial and temporal variability of the wind climatology, punctuated with singular masts that provide information of wind velocities at height. The validation of the mesoscale simulation aims at investigating the ability of the high-resolution simulation to reproduce the observed intra-annual variability of daily wind within the entire domain.</p><p>Observed and simulated winds are higher at the British, North Sea and Baltic shores and lowlands. Correlations are typically over 0.8. Surface wind variability tends to be overestimated in the northern coasts and underestimated elsewhere and inland. Mast wind variability tends to be overestimated except for some southern sites. Seasonal differences seem minor in these respects. Biases and RMSE can help identifying if systematic errors in specific tiles take place.</p><p>Therefore, performing model simulations of a high horizontal resolution over the broader European domain is possible. We can learn about the variability of surface and height wind both from observations and model simulations. Model observations are not perfect, but observations also present uncertainties. Good quality wind data, both at the surface and in masts are a requisite for robust evaluation of models. European wide features of wind variability can be recognized both in observations and simulations.</p>

Analysis of the long-term surface wind variability over complex terrain using a high spatial resolution WRF simulation

2012 ◽  
Vol 40 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 1643-1656 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro A. Jiménez ◽  
J. Fidel González-Rouco ◽  
Juan P. Montávez ◽  
E. García-Bustamante ◽  
J. Navarro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spatial Resolution ◽  
Complex Terrain ◽  
High Spatial Resolution ◽  
Surface Wind ◽  
Wind Variability

An Evaluation of a Hybrid, Terrain-Following Vertical Coordinate in the WRF-Based RAP and HRRR Models

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 1081-1096 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey Beck ◽  
John Brown ◽  
Jimy Dudhia ◽  
David Gill ◽  
Tracy Hertneky ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Complex Terrain ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Vertical Motion ◽  
Weather Research And Forecasting ◽  
Mountainous Terrain ◽  
Vertical Coordinate ◽  
Numerical Noise ◽  
Terrain Following ◽  
Model Equations ◽  
Real Time Simulations

Abstract A new hybrid, sigma-pressure vertical coordinate was recently added to the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model in an effort to reduce numerical noise in the model equations near complex terrain. Testing of this hybrid, terrain-following coordinate was undertaken in the WRF-based Rapid Refresh (RAP) and High-Resolution Rapid Refresh (HRRR) models to assess impacts on retrospective and real-time simulations. Initial cold-start simulations indicated that the majority of differences between the hybrid and traditional sigma coordinate were confined to regions downstream of mountainous terrain and focused in the upper levels. Week-long retrospective simulations generally resulted in small improvements for the RAP, and a neutral impact in the HRRR when the hybrid coordinate was used. However, one possibility is that the inclusion of data assimilation in the experiments may have minimized differences between the vertical coordinates. Finally, analysis of turbulence forecasts with the new hybrid coordinate indicate a significant reduction in spurious vertical motion over the full length of the Rocky Mountains. Overall, the results indicate a potential to improve forecast metrics through implementation of the hybrid coordinate, particularly at upper levels, and downstream of complex terrain.

scholarly journals On the Ability of the WRF Model to Reproduce the Surface Wind Direction over Complex Terrain

2013 ◽  
Vol 52 (7) ◽  
pp. 1610-1617 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pedro A. Jiménez ◽  
Jimy Dudhia
Keyword(s):  
Wind Speed ◽  
Wind Direction ◽  
Complex Terrain ◽  
Grid Point ◽  
Surface Wind ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Horizontal Resolution ◽  
Surface Flow ◽  
High Horizontal Resolution

AbstractThe ability of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to reproduce the surface wind direction over complex terrain is examined. A simulation spanning a winter season at a high horizontal resolution of 2 km is compared with wind direction records from a surface observational network located in the northeastern Iberian Peninsula. A previous evaluation has shown the ability of WRF to reproduce the wind speed over the region once the effects of the subgrid-scale topography are parameterized. Hence, the current investigation complements the previous findings, providing information about the model's ability to reproduce the direction of the surface flow. The differences between the observations and the model are quantified in terms of scores explicitly designed to handle the circular nature of the wind direction. Results show that the differences depend on the wind speed. The larger the wind speed is, the smaller are the wind direction differences. Areas with more complex terrain show larger systematic differences between model and observations; in these areas, a statistical correction is shown to help. The importance of the grid point selected for the comparison with observations is also analyzed. A careful selection is relevant to reducing comparative problems over complex terrain.

scholarly journals Assessment of Wind Pattern Accuracy from the QuikSCAT Satellite and the WRF Model along the Galician Coast (Northwest Iberian Peninsula)

2013 ◽  
Vol 141 (2) ◽  
pp. 742-753 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. C. Sousa ◽  
I. Alvarez ◽  
N. Vaz ◽  
M. Gomez-Gesteira ◽  
J. M. Dias
Keyword(s):  
Wind Speed ◽  
Surface Wind ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Weather Research And Forecasting ◽  
Western Coast ◽  
Wind Pattern ◽  
Wind Speeds ◽  
Galician Coast ◽  
Key Factor

Abstract Surface wind along the Galician coast is a key factor allowing the analysis of important oceanographic features that are related to the great primary production in this area, as upwelling events. A comparative analysis between surface winds obtained from the Quick Scatterometer (QuikSCAT), the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model, and in situ observations from buoys along the Galician coast is carried out from November 2008 to October 2009. This comparison evaluates the accuracy of satellite and modeled data. The results show that the wind speeds derived from QuikSCAT and the WRF Model are similar along the coast, with errors ranging from 1.5 to 2 m s−1. However, QuikSCAT tends to overestimate wind speeds when compared to the buoys measurements. Regarding the wind direction, the RMSE values are about 35° for the stations under analysis. The bias presents a similar pattern between satellite and modeled data, with positive values at the western coast and negative values at the middle and northern coasts, the satellite data always being lower in absolute value than the modeled data. A spatial comparison between QuikSCAT and WRF data is also performed over the whole Galician coast to evaluate the differences between the two datasets. This comparison shows that the modeled wind speed tends to be lower than satellite winds over the entire domain, with the highest RMSE and bias values found for the wind speed and direction observed near the shoreline.

An Immersed Boundary Method for the Weather Research and Forecasting Model

2010 ◽  
Vol 138 (3) ◽  
pp. 796-817 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine A. Lundquist ◽  
Fotini Katopodes Chow ◽  
Julie K. Lundquist
Keyword(s):  
Immersed Boundary Method ◽  
Complex Terrain ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Neumann Boundary ◽  
Weather Research And Forecasting ◽  
Immersed Boundary ◽  
Mesoscale Models ◽  
Boundary Method ◽  
Terrain Following ◽  
Weather Research

Abstract This paper describes an immersed boundary method that facilitates the explicit resolution of complex terrain within the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. Mesoscale models, such as WRF, are increasingly used for high-resolution simulations, particularly in complex terrain, but errors associated with terrain-following coordinates degrade the accuracy of the solution. The use of an alternative-gridding technique, known as an immersed boundary method, alleviates coordinate transformation errors and eliminates restrictions on terrain slope that currently limit mesoscale models to slowly varying terrain. Simulations are presented for canonical cases with shallow terrain slopes, and comparisons between simulations with the native terrain-following coordinates and those using the immersed boundary method show excellent agreement. Validation cases demonstrate the ability of the immersed boundary method to handle both Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions. Additionally, realistic surface forcing can be provided at the immersed boundary by atmospheric physics parameterizations, which are modified to include the effects of the immersed terrain. Using the immersed boundary method, the WRF model is capable of simulating highly complex terrain, as demonstrated by a simulation of flow over an urban skyline.

scholarly journals Evaluation of dynamically downscaled near-surface mass and energy fluxes for three mountain glaciers, British Columbia, Canada

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mekdes Ayalew Tessema ◽  
Valentina Radić ◽  
Brian Menounos ◽  
Noel Fitzpatrick
Keyword(s):  
British Columbia ◽  
Spatial Resolution ◽  
Dynamical Downscaling ◽  
Surface Wind ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Heat Fluxes ◽  
Shortwave Radiation ◽  
Positive Bias ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Mountain Glaciers

Abstract. Most models of glacier melt are forced by observed meteorological data in the vicinity of the glacier in question. In the absence of these observations, the forcing is commonly derived from statistical or dynamical downscaling of low resolution reanalysis datasets. Here we perform dynamical downscaling via the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model in order to evaluate its performance against the observations from automatic weather stations (AWSs ) for three mountain glaciers in the interior of British Columbia, Canada over several summer seasons. The WRF model, nested within the ERA-Interim global reanalysis, produced output fields at 7.5 km and 2.5 km spatial resolution for all glaciers, as well as 1 km resolution for one of the glaciers. We find that the surface energy balance (SEB) model, forced by WRF at 2.5 km, adequately simulates the AWS-derived seasonal melt rates despite large biases in the individual SEB components. Overestimation of the number of clear sky days in WRF at 2.5 km explains the positive bias in the seasonal incoming shortwave radiation. This positive bias, however, is compensated by a negative bias in the seasonal incoming longwave radiation, and by an underestimation of sensible and latent heat fluxes. The underestimation of sensible heat fluxes down to −80 % of AWS-derived fluxes, as calculated by the bulk aerodynamic method, is due to the underestimated near-surface wind speeds. An increase of WRF spatial resolution from 7.5 to 1 km does not improve the simulation of downscaled variables other than near-surface air temperature. For relatively small glaciers (

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