Effects of elevation data representation on mesoscale atmospheric model simulations

摘要

Mesoscale atmospheric model simulations rely on descriptions of the land surface characteristics, which must be developed from geographic databases. The report describes part of the research effort into the relationship between these aspects of geographic data and the performance of mesoscale atmospheric models and is particularly focused on elevation data and how it is prepared for use in such models. The effect of different means of resampling and smoothing elevation data on two types of model simulations is investigated. At smaller spatial scales, nocturnal drainage winds in mountain valleys in Colorado are examined for effects on the general characteristics as well as the details of the flows. At the larger end of the mesoscale, extended simulations of California weather are examined for effects on orographic lifting, low-level convergence and divergence, and rain and snow distribution.