Sensitivity of simulated summer monsoonal precipitation in Langtang Valley, Himalaya to cloud microphysics schemes in WRF
A better understanding of regional-scale precipitation patterns in the Himalayan region is required to increase our knowledge of the impacts of climate change on downstream water availability. This study examines the impact of four cloud microphysical schemes (Thompson, Morrison, WRF Single-Moment 5-class, and WRF Double-Moment 6-class) on summer monsoon precipitation in the Langtang Valley in the central Nepalese Himalayas, as simulated by the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model at 1-km grid spacing for a 10-day period in July 2012. The model results are evaluated through a comparison with surface precipitation and radiation measurements made at two observation sites. Additional understanding is gained from a detailed examination of the microphysical characteristics simulated by each scheme, which are compared with measurements using a spaceborne radar/lidar cloud product. Also examined are the roles of large and small-scale forcing.In general the schemes are able to capture the timing of surface precipitation better than the actual amounts in the Langtang Valley, which are predominately underestimated, with the Morrison scheme showing the best agreement with the measured values. The schemes all show a large positive bias in incoming radiation. Analysis of the radar/lidar cloud product and hydrometeors from each of the schemes suggests that ‘cold-rain’ processes are a key precipitation formation mechanism, which is also well represented by the Morrison scheme. As well as microphysical structure, both large-scale and localised forcing is also important.
Details
Publication status:
Published
Author(s):
Authors: Orr, A. ORCID record for A. Orr, Listowski, C., Couttet, M., Collier, E., Immerzeel, W., Deb, P., Bannister, D. ORCID record for D. Bannister
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're okay with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptRead more
Privacy & Cookies Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.