Course: ATOC 7500 - Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling


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Spring 2008

ATOC 7500: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling

3 Credits, Location: Folsom Stadium, Room 255-12

Date and Time: Beginning Friday January 18, 2008; 10:00 - 12:30

Required Text
View Table of Contents

MESOSCALE METEOROLOGICAL MODELING by Roger A. Pielke Sr.

Hardcover - 676 pages 2nd Edition 2002
Academic Press; ISBN: 0125547668

Course Description (downloadable PDF)

Introduction
Mesoscale meteorological models are used in a wide range of studies and disciplines, such as weather prediction, hydrologic modeling, air chemistry, atmospheric dispersion, regional and climate assessments, and planetary atmospheres. This is a unique opportunity for graduate students to learn theoretical and practical aspects of mesoscale modeling from a world authority on the subject.

Topics
1. Governing Equations and Simplification
2. Conservation Relations
3. Physical and Analytic Modeling
4. Coordinate Transformations
5. Parameterization-Averaged Subgrid-Scale Fluxes
6. Parameterization of Averaged Radiation Flux Divergence
7. Parameterization of Moist Thermodynamic Processes
8. Boundary and Initial Conditions
9. Model Evaluation
10. Examples of Mesoscale Models

Grading
Grades will be determined from class modeling assignments on modeling advection, diffusion, and/or the pressure gradient force, as well as two projects.

1. The selection by the student of a parameterizations used in a mesoscale, regional, or global model, and its assessment in terms of how it is constructed, and an attempt to replace with a look-up-table version.

2. The selection by the student of a mesoscale, regional, or global model and the dissection of the model code using the categorizations given in the textbook.

If there is interest, we may replace these assignments with a joint class project where we build a regional model using straightforward numerical algorithms for the advection and pressure gradient force, and look-up tables for one or more of the parameterizations (particularly for a combination of all of the diabatic heating terms as described in

Pielke Sr., R.A., D. Stokowski, J.-W. Wang, T. Vukicevic, G. Leoncini, T. Matsui, C. Castro, D. Niyogi, C.M. Kishtawal, A. Biazar, K. Doty, R.T. McNider, U. Nair, and W.K. Tao, 2007: Satellite-based model parameterization of diabatic heating. EOS, Vol. 88, No. 8, 20 February, 96-97.

We will use the North American Regional Reanalysis or the NCAR/NCEP Reanalysis to run the model to assess its performance (and real time data if we are able to obtain it).

Contact dallas[at]cires.colorado.edu for more information

Please forward your email address to Dallas Staley at the above email if you register for the class. We will be setting up a group email for the class and will contact you with more information.

Please check class website for updates!

Date: Fri, 18 Jan 2008 17:14:57 -0700 (MST)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
Subject: ATOC 7500

Hi All, This is the first e-mail to our class, so please let us know if anyone is left off! Thank you for your short write-ups of your interests.

For next Friday, please read Chapters 1 and 2 in the book to cover what was discussed in class today. Also, in preparation for the lecture on January 25, please read Chapters 3 and 4.

For the class requirements for those taking for credit, there will be two options (let me know which you prefer):

Option A

1. Modeling 1-D advection and 1-D diffusion using several numerical solution techniques and comparing with the analytical and exact solutions (this will be explained and assigned when we get to Chapter 10). We will test with cyclic, a constant inflow/gradient outflow and radiative lateral boundary conditions.

2. The selection by the student of a parameterization used in a mesoscale, regional, or global model, and its assessment in terms of how it is constructed and its sensitivity to changes in the tuning
parameters.

3. The selection by the student of a mesoscale, regional, or global model and the dissection of the model code using the categorizations given in Appendix b in the textbook.

Both topics 2 and 3 will be presented to class using a powerpoint format. This powerpoint (or equivalent) will be used as the written form of the assignment.

Option B

Same as Option A except topics #2 and topics #3 are replaced by the generation of a proof of concept assessment as described in

The model chosen is up to the student. The results will be presented as a powerpoint type of talk. More than one student can work on this project together.

We will discuss these options further on Friday. However, if you have already decided please e-mail which option you chose.

I look forward to seeing you next week!

Roger A. Pielke Sr.
Senior Research Scientist (CIRES) and Senior Research Associate (ATOC) Stadium 255-16, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309
Professor Emeritus Colorado State University
Visit our website at http://cires.colorado.edu/science/groups/pielke/
Visit our weblog at http://climatesci.org

Date: Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:46:49 -0700 (MST)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: class schedule

Hi All, As we discussed, I would like to shift the date for one of our classes. From those who replied, Mondays appear okay. Thus, I would like to meet March 17th from 10am-1230pm instead of later that week (i.e. this would be replace our meeting on Friday March 21st.

Please let us know right away if this does not work for you. Also, I am looking into our meeting at the Stadium instead of Duane (for all of our classes). If this works, it will provide a more seminar capable location. Roger

Date: Tue, 22 Jan 2008 11:57:25 -0700 (MST)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: weblink to Chris Castro's class

Hi All, The web link to Chris Castro's class is http://www.atmo.arizona.edu/courses/spring08/atmo558/home.htm

Roger

Date: Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:06:35 -0700 (MST)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: Friday Jan 25 2008

Hi All, We covered Chapters 3 and 4 today; please e-mail questions as needed, and also ask in class for next Friday.

As we rearranged, we will meet at the Stadium Conference room each Friday, except if we ever need to the more sophisticated audiovisual equipment in Duane 318. We also have rescheduled one class - instead of meeting on Friday March 21 we will meet Monday March 17th (10am-1230pm in the Stadium Conference Room).

For Friday, February 1, please read Chapter 5 up to Section 5.3 and Chapter 10 up to section 10.1.1.2. We may not start Chapter 10 that day, but just in case that is where we are going after Chapter 5.

For the assignment for Friday, please select the model you would like to analyze as described in the Problems at the end of Chapter 4. If you have selected one, please send the name to all of us. At the end of the semester, you will present a powerpoint type talk on what you have learned with respect to how the model is configured based on the information on page 57. This model can (should) be the one that most interests you and/or is the one you are using for your research.

See you Friday! Roger

Date: Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:19:14 -0700 (MST)
From: Tianyi Fan
To: Roger A Pielke Sr
Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: Re: Friday Jan 25 2008

Hi Roger and all, Since I am working on NCAR's Community Atmosphere Model (CAM3), I would like to look into this global climate model. Model documentation, news etc. is in the following link.

http://www.ccsm.ucar.edu/models/atm-cam/

Cheers, Tianyi

Date: Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:39:42 -0700 (MST)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Tianyi Fan
Cc: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling
Subject: Re: Friday Jan 25 2008

Thanks Tianyi, Excellent choice! Roger

Date: Sat, 26 Jan 2008 12:04:39 -0700
From: laura.bianco
To: Roger A Pielke Sr
Cc: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: Re: Friday Jan 25 2008

Hi all, since I will start working on the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model, I'd like to choose it. Thanks, Laura.

Date: Sat, 26 Jan 2008 13:10:09 -0700 (MST)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To:Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: Re: Friday Jan 25 2008

Hi Laura, This is also an excellent choice! Roger

Date: Sat, 26 Jan 2008 10:31:18 -0700 (MST)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: Robert Fovell's homepage

Hi All, Chris Castro has thoughtfully shared with us an important resource for our class. It is the course information (and model excercises) for the class of Robert Fovell at UCLA. We will look at his effective animations this semester.

Robert Fovell's Homepage

Robert Fovell AS180 Numerical Modeling

Robert Fovell- Dispersion Errors in Leapfrog Scheme

Robert Fovell - Low resolution simulation of a rising thermal

Roger

From: Rosanne Wilcox Polkinghorne
To: Roger A Pielke Sr
Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: Re: Friday Jan 25 2008

I will do my presentation on RAMS as this is the model I use in my research. Rosie Polkinghorne

Date: Mon, 28 Jan 2008 16:11:09 -0700 (MST)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Rosanne Wilcox Polkinghorne
Cc: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: Re: Friday Jan 25 2008

Hi Rosanne, Good choice! [of course :-)]

Roger

Date: Tue, 29 Jan 2008 09:33:20 -0700 (MST)
From: Stephanie Evan
To: Roger A Pielke Sr
Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500 -
Subject: Re: Friday Jan 25 2008

Hi all, I would like to do my presentation on the WRF model.
Cheers,
Stephanie

Date: Tue, 29 Jan 2008 09:38:44 -0700 (MST)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Stephanie Evan
Cc: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: Re: Friday Jan 25 2008

Hi Stephanie, Thanks! WRF is a very influential model to evaluate.

Roger

Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2008 18:00:14 -0700 (MST)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: office hours

Hi All, To provide office hours, I am assigning the time right after class. Please let me know by e-mail and/or in class, if you would like to meet after any of our classes. If this conflicts with your schedule, we can set up another time that is convenient for you. Also, I am always available by e-mail.

I look forward to our class tomorrow. Roger

Date: Fri, 1 Feb 2008 13:37:50 -0700 (MST)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: class

Hi All, Thank you for your attention today. For next Friday, we will complete the material in Chapter 5 and continue in Chapter 10.

For the two papers I presented today to illustrate physical modeling, they are:

Avissar, R., M.D. Moran, R.A. Pielke, G. Wu, and R.N. Meroney, 1990: Operating
ranges of mesoscale numerical models and meteorological wind tunnels for the
simulation of sea and land breezes. Bound.-Layer Meteor., Special Anniversary
Issue, Golden Jubilee, 50, 227-275

and

Nicholls, M., R. Pielke, and R. Meroney, 1993: Large eddy simulation of
microburst winds flowing around a building. J. Wind Eng. and Indus. Aerodyn.,
46 & 47, 229-237.

Have a good weekend! Roger

Date: Fri, 8 Feb 2008 14:29:38 -0700 (MST)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: class Friday Feb 8 2008

Hi All, Today we completed discussing Chapter 5 and started in earnest in Chapter 10. Problems #6 and #7 were assigned and are due in two weeks (Feb 29th).

For next week's class, we will continue through Chapter 10 and start Chapter 11 if we have time. Please e-mail all of us any questions that you have. Roger

Date: Sun, 10 Feb 2008 08:58:23 -0700 (MST)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: class presentation

Hi All, Dr. Tomi Vukicevic has graciously agreed to present lectures on Feb 29 and March 7 on data assimilation; focusing on a review of data assimilation practices and an introduction into techniques. She is an internationally recognized expert on this subject so we are very fortunate to have her present
to us! Roger

Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2008 09:49:08 -0700 (MST)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: papers on the definition of resolution

Hi All, As we discussed last Friday, below are several papers that discuss the issue of resolution hand why it must not be confused with grid increment:

Pielke, R.A., 1991: A recommended specific definition of "resolution", Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 12, 1914.

Pielke Sr., R.A., 2001: Further comments on "The differentiation between grid spacing and resolution and their application to numerical modeling''. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 82, 699.

Laprise, R., 1992: The resolution of global spectral models. Bull. Amer. Meteor. Soc., 9, 1453-1454

We will also discuss on Friday in class. Roger

Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:23:14 -0700 (MST)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: A Summer Colloquium on Numerical Techniques for Global Atmospheric Models

Hi All, This Colloquium is very much something you could attend as a follow up to our class! Roger

Date: Wed, 13 Feb 2008 13:39:51 -0700 (MST)
From: David Noone
To: atoc-students, atoc-faculty
Subject: A Summer Colloquium on Numerical Techniques for Global AtmosphericModels (fwd)

The National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) announces a Summer Colloquium on

Numerical Techniques for Global Atmospheric Models

June 1-13, 2008, NCAR, Boulder, Colorado, U.S.A.

Hosted by the Advanced Study Program (ASP) of the Societal-Environmental Research and Education Laboratory (SERE), Climate and Global Dynamics Division of the Earth & Sun Systems Laboratory (ESSL), and Computational and Information Systems Laboratory (CISL) at NCAR. Additional support is provided by NASA.

The colloquium will survey the latest developments in numerical methods for the dynamical cores of Atmospheric General Circulation Models. The course will engage students in the primary options available for global models such as the choice of the computational grids, numerical methods, resolutions, prognosticvariables or model equations. Students will participate in lectures and tutorial sessions, but devote a large fraction of time to research projects to be developed in small groups. Each group will be assigned to a specific dynamical core with which they will run idealized test cases. Model-specific tutors will provide expert advise during the hands-on experience. Students will gain in-depth knowledge of the numerical techniques and scientific performance of the dynamical core in question. The goal is to survey the advantages and trade-offs of different computational approaches and grids for climate and weather research.

We invite graduate students from the atmospheric sciences, applied mathematics and other relevant disciplines to apply. The application deadline is March 1, 2008

More information on www.asp.ucar.edu/colloquium/2008 and the Wiki for the colloquium:
www.wiki.ucar.edu/display/dycores/Home

We would be pleased if you could forward this announcement to anyone who could be interested in the colloquium.

For further information please send an Email to Peter H. Lauritzen

Best Regards,

Peter H. Lauritzen (NCAR), Christiane Jablonowski (University of Michigan),
Mark Taylor (Sandia National Laboratories) and Ramachandran D. Nair (NCAR)

Date: Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:20:19 -0700 (MST)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: class

Hi All, Today we covered the remainder of Chapter 10. A supplemental paper was presented for those who want to further read about the evaluation of finite difference algorithms;

Tremback, C.J., J. Powell, W.R. Cotton, and R.A. Pielke, 1985: The forward-in-time upstream advection scheme: Extension to higher orders. Mon. Wea. Rev., 115, 540-555.

I also briefly introduced the concept of how thermal expansion (sound) waves can be used to diagnose diabatic heating;

Nicholls, M.E. and R.A. Pielke, 1994: Thermal compression waves. I: Total energy transfer. Quart. J. Roy. Meteor. Soc., 120, 305-332.

Nicholls, M.E. and R.A. Pielke, 1994: Thermal compression waves. II: Mass adjustment and vertical transfer of total energy. Quart. J. Roy. Meteor. Soc., 120, 333-359.

Pielke, R.A., M.E. Nicholls, and A.J. Bedard, 1993: Using thermal compression waves to assess latent heating from clouds. EOS, 74, 493.

Nicholls, M.E. and R.A. Pielke Sr., 2000: Thermally-induced compression waves and gravity waves generated by convective storms. J. Atmos. Sci., 57, 3251-3271.

For those who would like more information on gravity waves as initiated by deep convection, I recommend starting with

Nicholls, M.E., R.A. Pielke, and W.R. Cotton, 1991: Thermally forced gravity waves in an atmosphere at rest. J. Atmos. Sci., 48, 1869-1884.

For next Friday (Feb 22) we will cover Chapter 11.

Enjoy your weekend!

Roger

P.S. We have more listed on the class mail list than are attending class. If you still would like to receive these e-mails, that is fine, but let Dallas know if you prefer to be taken off.

Date: Wed, 20 Feb 2008 15:11:53 -0700 (MST)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling
Subject: Friday class

Hi All, For our class Friday, the first item will be to discuss the numerical problems. Please bring any questions up in class ans we will discuss. Roger

Date: Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:41:39 -0700 (MST)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: Friday class

Hi All, Thank you for a very attentive class today with excellent questions. If you have further questions on the homework, please e-mail. To add to this exercise, please replace the cyclic boundary condition in the leap frog problem with i) prescribed inflow and gradient = 0 outflow and ii) use prescribed inflow and the radiative boundary condition approach (configured as best as possible) in order to see how closely you can mimic the solutions when the cyclic boundary condition is used.

For next week, we will continue with Chapter 11 (and start Chapter 12 if time), as well as have Tomi's first presentation on 4DDA. I will e-mail her readings as soon as she sends to us. We will also discuss the problems and you should hand in what is complete.

For the excellent Jacobson book, I will place on reserve next week in the Math/Physics library in Duane, and suggest optional readings to complement what we have covered in class and in the textbook.

Have a good weekend! Roger

Here are two papers that will be used in class on Friday, February 29, 2008.

Strack, J.E., R.A. Pielke Sr, and L.T. Steyaert, 2007: Sensitivity of summer near-surface temperatures and precipitation in the eastern United States to historical land cover changes since European settlement. Water Resources Research, submitted.

Steyaert, L. T., and R. G. Knox, 2008: Reconstructed historical land cover and biophysical parameters for studies of land-atmosphere interactions within the eastern United States, J. Geophys. Res., 113, D02101, doi:10.1029/2006JD008277

and

Supplementary Lecture Notes from Dr. Tomislava Vukicevic

Date: Mon, 25 Feb 2008 15:56:09 -0700 (MST)
From: Tomislava Vukicevic
To: Roger A Pielke Sr
Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500 -
Subject: One more note on class reading material

Dear class, Please print the notes to have for reference in the class on Friday and come prepared to be asked questions. My questions to you will not be on the notes but on modeling (no grading involved!). I trust you are becoming experts about the modeling.

Tomi

----------------------------------------------------------
Dr. Tomislava Vukicevic
Associate Professor, Research
Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (ATOC)
Also: Research Scientist
Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES)
Tel: (303) 492-8932 in ATOC and (303)497-7260 in CIRES/NOAA, Boulder
Address: UCB 311, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0311

Date: Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:22:52 -0700 (MST)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: Supplemental Readings

Hi All, As discussed, I am suggesting additional supplemental reading to complement our class using the excellent text book by Mark Z. Jacobson entitled "Fundamentals of Atmospheric Modeling" [thanks to Professor Chris Castro for alerting us to this book!].

The suggested readings focus on his discussion of numerical methods for the solving the dynamic core of models:

1. Chapter 6 Numerical solutions to partial differential equations (pages 169-203)

2. Chapter 7 Finite-differencing the equations of atmospheric dynamics (pages 204-227).

The book should be on reserve in the Daune building Math/Physics Library (2nd floor east wing) by class time this Friday. Roger

Date: Thu, 28 Feb 2008 11:39:53 -0700 (MST)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: class presentations

Hi All, It is time to consider scheduling your two presentations (on the model you have selected following the format in Appendix B; and on the decomposition of a selected paramterization which I will introduce to you in class tomorrow). Lets make the presentations on April 25 and May 2.

Roger

Date: Sat, 1 Mar 2008 15:00:37 -0700 (MST)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: classes

Hi All, As I introduced yesterday, you have been assigned to select a parameterization within a model of your choice and to decompose it, as illustrated in the class presentations of past years - e.g., see these presentations from 2006.

Nick Parazoo: Mellor-Yamada Level 2.5 Turbulence Closure in RAMS

Russ Schumacher: The Purdue Lin Microphysics Scheme in WRF

Erica McGrath-Spangler: Parameterization of Soil Respiration in GEMTM

David Stokowski: Making a LUT of the Mahrer-Pielke Radiation Parameterization in RAMS

Jih-Wang Wang: Grell Convection Scheme in RAMS

which are posted at the very end of http://cires.colorado.edu/science/groups/pielke/classes/at730/06spring.html.

Of course, you need to select a new parameterization to examine. Please e-mail to all of us what you choose before class this Friday. We will also discuss how to do this in class.

For the final class presentations, since we have one Monday class (March 17th, in lieu of class on March 21), I propose we make the class presentations for the two class times April 25 (normal class time) and April 28 (a rescheduled class from Friday May 2). These dates supersede the earlier e-mail on the dates for the talks on the model you have selected and will include your parameterization talk. These will be the final exercises for class, and are the primary basis for your grade, as outlined on the class website [http://cires.colorado.edu/science/groups/pielke/classes/at7500/sp08.html]. Let us know right away if the April 28th class (same time as we normally meet but on Monday) does not work for you.

We look forward to very interesting and informative talks! Roger

Date: Fri, 7 Mar 2008 13:17:03 -0700 (MST)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: paper

Hi All, As background with respect to why surface energy budgets need to consider moist enthalpy, please see

Pielke Sr., R.A., C. Davey, and J. Morgan, 2004: Assessing "global warming" with surface heat content. Eos, 85, No. 21, 210-211.

Dallas will send out another paper for us to refer to next Friday.

Steyaert, L.T., and R.G. Knox, 2008: Reconstructed historical land cover and biophysical parameters for studies of land-atmosphere interactions within the eastern United States, J. Geophys. Res., 113, D02101, doi:10.1029/2006JD008277.

Roger

P.S. Don't forget to send us your parameterization that you will dissect.

Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2008 08:27:10 -0600 (MDT)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: class assignment

Hi All, Please send us your paramterization which you will dissect as part of the class. We can discuss tomorrow in class the ones that are selected.

Roger

Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2008 08:53:28 -0600 (MDT)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: Monday's class

Hi All, For Monday's class, I will overview Chapter 6. There is a useful concise summary of one of the major conclusions of that Chapter in the papers

Pielke, R.A. and J.M. Cram, 1989: A terrain-following coordinate system -- Derivation of diagnostic relationships. Meteor. Atmos. Phys., 40, 189-193.

Pielke, R.A., M. Segal, R.T. McNider, and Y. Mahrer, 1985: Derivation of slope flow equations using two different coordinate representations. J. Atmos. Sci., 42, 1102-1106.

There is quite a bit of tensor analysis in Chapter 6 (which is a course in itself), however, in class I will emphasize the reason that this subject is so important in atmospheric modeling (and that its significance has often been ignored).

On Monday, please also let me know if starting the class an hour earlier (at 9am) is a problem for anyone.

Roger

Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:37:31 -0600
From: Rosanne Wilcox Polkinghorne
To: Roger A Pielke Sr ,
Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: Re: class assignment

I will be looking at the cloud microphysics parameterization described in Meyers et al (1997).
Rosie Polkinghorne

Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:49:07 -0600 (MDT)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Rosanne Wilcox Polkinghorne
Cc: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: Re: class assignment

Hi Rosie, This is really a good choice. Roger

Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:58:21 -0600
From: Laura Bianco
To: Roger A Pielke Sr
Cc: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: Re: class assignment

Hi all, if it is OK, I will be looking at the surface layer parameterization in WRF. Sorry for the delay in the decision. Laura Bianco.

Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:13:43 -0600 (MDT)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Laura Bianco
Cc: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: Re: class assignment

Hi Laura, This is another excellent choice. Each if the parameterizations chosen so far provide a different perspective, but each will demonstrate their very well defined engineering structure, and that they are not basic physics even though they use such an initial framework.

Roger

Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:26:20 -0600 (MDT)
From: Tianyi Fan
To: Roger A Pielke Sr
Cc: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: Re: class assignment

Hello everyone, I will try to understand the Morrison-Gettelman cloud microphysics scheme in CAM, described in Morrison et al., [2005].

Cheers, Tianyi

Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:14:52 -0600 (MDT)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Tianyi Fan
Cc: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: Re: class assignment

Hi Tianyi, This is another excellent selection! Roger

Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:22:04 -0600 (MDT)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: class

Hi All, Thank you the really excellent questions today!

For the snow paper I presented today, it is

Segal, M., J.H. Cramer, R.A. Pielke, J.R. Garratt, and P. Hildebrand, 1991:
Observational evaluation of the snow-breeze. Mon. Wea. Rev., 119, 412-424.

For our Monday March 17 class, as e-mailed earlier, we will overview the topic of Chapter 6 (coordinate transformation). If time permits, we will start the chapters on parameterizations. I also will review the subject of the new parameterization approach that we introduced in

Matsui, T., G. Leoncini, R.A. Pielke Sr., and U.S. Nair, 2004: A new paradigm for parameterization in atmospheric models: Application to the new Fu-Liou radiation code. Atmospheric Science Paper No. 747, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, 32 pp.

Pielke Sr., R.A., T. Matsui, G. Leoncini, T. Nobis, U. Nair, E. Lu, J. Eastman, S. Kumar, C. Peters-Lidard, Y. Tian, and R. Walko, 2006: A new paradigm for parameterizations in numerical weather prediction and other atmospheric models. National Wea. Digest, 30, 93-99.

Please read these three publications, and we will discuss either Monday, or the first class after Spring Break (April 4). This is a revolutionary new approach to modeling and is worth our time discussing its value and feasibility.

On your two presentations (model descriptions and dissection of the parameterization), they are scheduled for Friday April 25 and Monday April 28 (10am), which will be our last class day). The class summary of what we accomplished this semester will be summarized also during one or both of these days.

Roger--

Date: Sat, 15 Mar 2008 10:42:35 -0600 (MDT)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: Class presentation of your selected model

Hi All, In order to maximize the discussion for your selected model, I recommend overviewing (briefly) each category in Appendix B, but focus on the following subjects as this will add unique insight into each of the codes:

1. What are the amplitude and phase characteristics of the advection, pressure gradient, Coriolis, vertical subgrid scale flux divergence, and horizontal subgrid scale flux divergence formulations that they use? They should have published this information, but if not, you can report to us the linear form of the terms for flat terrain (and no Earth's curvature transformation terms) and complete an analysis as we did in class.

2. What time steps do they use for specific examples of runs of their model?

3. What are the input variables and parameters that are used to insert into each of their parameterizations (if they have options for more than one choice, just choose the one you prefer to look at)? The parameterizations to focus on are vertical and horizontal subgrid-scale fluxes; longwave and shortwave radiative flux divergence; deep cumulus cloud effects; and stable cloud/precipitation effects. Note that for this assessment, you are not dissecting the parameterization, as with the other class assignment, but just informing us on the input to the parameterizations.

4. What are the output variables from these parameterization? --

Your talk can be as long as you need, but I recommend a half hour.

Also, all of you on this mailing list (plus any interested other colleagues) are invited to come to the take which will be in the Stadium interior conference room on April 25th and 28th. They should be very informative!

Roger

Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 11:50:28 -0600 (MDT)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling
Subject: class

Hi All, Thank you for meeting this morning. On our first class after the break (Friday April 4th) we will continue through the parameterization chapters. During the coming weeks, if you have any questions about the material we have covered (including the tensor transformation material in Chapter 6), please e-mail all of us and we can continue a dialog via e-mail.

Let me know if you need any contact information for the model and/or parameterization that you have selected. We look forward to learning from your talks!

Roger

Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2008 06:38:27 -0600 (MDT)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: Re: WRF Browser (fwd)

Hi All, Professor Chris Castro has graciously shared information on the WRF model. Please add this to your information on models.

http://box.mmm.ucar.edu/wrf/WG2/wrfbrowser/

Roger

Date: Sun, 6 Apr 2008 22:16:55 -0600 (MDT)
From: Dallas Staley
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: papers for class
Attached are a few papers Roger asked me to forward to you.

Alam, J., and J. Lin, 2008: Towards a fully Lagrangian atmospheric modelling system. Mon. Wea. Rev., submitted.

Anthes, R. A., and T. T. Warner, 1978: Development of hydrodynamic models suitable for air pollution and other mesometeorological studies. Mon. Wea. Rev., 106, 1045-1078.

Matsui, T., and R.A. Pielke Sr., 2006: Measurement-based estimation of the spatial gradient of aerosol radiative forcing. Geophys. Res. Letts., 33, L11813, doi:10.1029/2006GL025974.

Ramanathan, V., and G. Carmichael, 2008: Global and regional climate changes due to black carbon. Nature Geoscience, 221-227.

Zheng Sun, D.-Z., Y. Yu, and T. Zhang, 2008: Tropical Water Vapor and Cloud Feedbacks in Climate Models: A Further Assessment Using Coupled Simulations. J. Climate, submitted.

These papers were presented in class on Friday and will be discussed next week.

thanks, dallas

Date: Mon, 7 Apr 2008 07:23:35 -0600 (MDT)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: paper (fwd)

Hi All, Here is the final version of the paper we sent to you on the Lagrangian method.

Alam, J., and J. Lin, 2008: Towards a fully Lagrangian atmospheric modelling system. Mon. Wea. Rev., submitted.

Roger

Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2008 15:55:37 -0600 (MDT)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: class presentations

Hi All, For the class presentations, for April 25 (Friday) they will be

CLASS PRESENTATIONS ON MODEL DESCRIPTION

LAURA BIANCO: WRF MODEL

STEPHANIE EVAN: WRF MODEL

TIANYI FAN: NCAR'S COMMUNITY ATMOSPHERE MODEL (CAM3)

ROSANNE WILCOX POLKINGHORNE: RAMS MODEL

Use as much time as you need to adequately describe these models. Your powerpoint presentation will serve as the record of your contribution, and, unless you tell Dallas otherwise, we will post as a url on the class website for others to benefit from. Please send Dallas a pdf of your talk as soon as ready.

For April 28 (Monday) which will be the last day of our class, the presentations will be

ASSESSMENT OF A PARAMETERIZATION

LAURA BIANCO: Surface layer parameterization in WRF

STEPHANIE EVAN: Cumulus parameterization used in WRF (especially the
Kain-Fritsch scheme)

TIANYI FAN: Current cloud microphysics scheme in CAM

ROSANNE WILCOX POLKINGHORNE: Cloud microphysics parameterization described in
Meyers et al. (1997)

As with Friday's talks, the powerpoint slides will be the requirement, and please also send to Dallas as soon as ready.

Everyone on the class e-mail list above (any other colleagues) are welcome to attend. The talks will start at the ATOC inner conference room in the stadium at 10am on the two days.

We look forward to your presentations! Roger

Date: Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:15:27 -0600 (MDT)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: class

Hi All, Today we reviewed most of Chapter 13 and will complete the Chapter on Friday, April 18. We will also review highlights of major findings this semester in our class on Friday. Please come prepared to discuss.

Meanwhile, of course, please continue to work on your two projects. :-)

Have a good weekend! Roger

Date: Tue, 15 Apr 2008 13:18:43 -0600 (MDT)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: model presentations

Hi All, In your model presentations on April 25th, I would like you to make sure to state what you conclude is the effective spatial resolution of your selected model [in x, y, and z], and how you estimated this value [based on any implicit smoothing from their numerical representation of advection, the pressure gradient force, and vertical subgrid scale mixing, as well as from explicit smoothing which is usually expressed as their horizontal subgrid scale smoothing (or its equivalent)].

This will be very useful summary information on your analyses and overview of these models.

Roger

Date: Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:23:42 -0600 (MDT)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: class presentations

Hi All, Thank you for 4 excellent presentations today! As we discussed, please send your powerpoints to Dallas who will post on our class webiste (as long as okay with you). These will be valuable resources for others.

See you Monday at 10am for our last class.

Roger

Date: Fri, 25 Apr 2008 12:50:21 -0600 (MDT)
From: Tomislava Vukicevic
To: Roger A Pielke Sr
Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: Re: class presentations

All, I am sorry I had to miss class presentations. Looking forward to your slides

Tomi
------------
Dr. Tomislava Vukicevic
Associate Professor, Research
Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences (ATOC)
Also: Research Scientist
Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES)
Tel: (303) 492-8932 in ATOC and (303)497-7260 in CIRES/NOAA, Boulder
Address: UCB 311, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0311

Date: Mon, 28 Apr 2008 13:37:00 -0600 (MDT)
From: Roger A Pielke Sr
To: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling-ATOC7500
Subject: class

Hi All, The class presentations today and Friday were each outstanding. Thank you for the effort that you put into them! Several of the topics could be built into research papers.

As we discussed, if you have not already, please send pdfs of your slides to Dallas who will post them on our class website. Others on this e-mail list who did not attend, as well as other colleagues, would benefit from the valuable information that you presented.

Finally, it was a pleasure to have you in class this semester I look forward to following and learning from what you complete for your individual research projects!

Roger

CLASS PRESENTATIONS ON MODEL DESCRIPTION

LAURA BIANCO: THE WEATHER RESEARCH AND FORECASTING MODEL

STEPHANIE EVAN: WRF MODEL

TIANYI FAN: NCAR'S COMMUNITY ATMOSPHERE MODEL (CAM3)

ROSANNE WILCOX POLKINGHORNE: RAMS MODEL

ASSESSMENT OF A PARAMETERIZATION

LAURA BIANCO: Surface layer parameterization in WRF

STEPHANIE EVAN: Cumulus parameterization used in WRF (especially the Kain-Fritsch scheme)

TIANYI FAN: Current cloud microphysics scheme in CAM

ROSANNE WILCOX POLKINGHORNE: Cloud microphysics parameterization described in Meyers et al. (1997)

Other Related Classes

There is a valuable summary of other modeling classes online. They are

ATMO 558: Mesoscale Meteorological Modeling, Spring 2008 [Professor Chris Castro at the University of Arizona]

A&OS 180/229: Numerical Modeling, [Prof. Robert Fovell, University of California at Los Angeles]

Notes from Dr. Pielke:

If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please submit to me a letter from Disability Services in a timely manner so that your needs may be addressed. Disability Services determines accommodations based on documented disabilities. Contact: 303-492-8671, Willard 322, and http://www.Colorado.EDU/disabilityservices

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