Investigating the sensitivity to resolving aerosol interactions in downscaling regional model experiments with WRFv3.8.1 over Europe
Abstract. In this work we present a sensitivity study of eight WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting model) regional climate simulations for the EURO-CORDEX domain regarding aerosol implementation and their impact on European climate. The sensitivities differ in the aerosol properties (optical characteristics) and effects implemented (direct/indirect), as well as in the aerosol input data used (Tegen, MACv1, MACC, GOCART). Simulations have a resolution of 0.44° and are forced by the ERA-Interim reanalysis. A basic evaluation has been performed against ground (E-OBS) and satellite-based observational data (CMSAF Sarah, Clara). Implementation of the direct radiative effect of aerosol reduces the direct component of the incoming surface solar radiation by 20–30 % in all seasons, due to enhanced aerosol scattering. The diffuse shortwave component augments 30–40 % in summer and 5–8 % in winter, while downward shortwave radiation at the surface is attenuated by 3–8 %. The resulting aerosol radiative effect is negative and stronger in summer (−12 W/m2) than inwinter (−2 W/m2) due to a balance between the more negative direct aerosol effect (−17 to −5 W/m2) and positive changes in the cloud forcing (+5 W/m2) representing the semi-direct effect. We also show that modeling direct and indirect effects can lead to small changes in cloudiness, mainly regarding low-level clouds, and circulation anomalies in the lower and mid-troposphere, which in some cases can be statistically significant. Precipitation is not affected in a consistent pattern by the aerosol implementation and changes do not exceed ±10 %. Temperature, on the other hand, systematically decreases by −0.1 to −0.5 °C due to the direct effect with regional changes that can be up to −1.5 °C.