Articles | Volume 17, issue 9
https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-3599-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-3599-2024
© Author(s) 2024. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Assimilation of GNSS tropospheric gradients into the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model version 4.4.1
Rohith Thundathil
CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation Science, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany
GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
Florian Zus
GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
Galina Dick
GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
Jens Wickert
Institute of Geodesy and Geoinformation Science, Technische Universität Berlin, 10623 Berlin, Germany
GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences, 14473 Potsdam, Germany
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Florian Zus, Kyriakos Balidakis, Ali Hasan Dogan, Rohith Thundathil, Galina Dick, and Jens Wickert
Geosci. Model Dev. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-2024-237, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-2024-237, 2025
Preprint under review for GMD
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Atmospheric signal propagation effects are one of the largest error sources in the analysis of space geodetic techniques. Inaccuracies in the modelling map into errors in positioning, navigation and timing. We describe the open source ray tracing tool DNS and show the two outstanding features of this tool compared to previous model developments: it can handle both the troposphere and the ionosphere and it does so efficiently. This makes the tool perfectly suited for geoscientific applications.
Rohith Thundathil, Florian Zus, Galina Dick, and Jens Wickert
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-19, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-19, 2025
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Measurement Techniques (AMT).
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Tropospheric gradients provide information on the moisture distribution, whereas ZTDs provide the absolute amount of moisture through integrated water vapor. When TGs are assimilated with ZTDs, it helps the model actuate the moisture fields, correcting its dynamics. In our research, we show evidence that in particular regions with very few GNSS stations, the assimilation of gradients on top of ZTDs can provide the same impact as the assimilation of only ZTDs with dense coverage of GNSS stations.
Florian Zus, Kyriakos Balidakis, Ali Hasan Dogan, Rohith Thundathil, Galina Dick, and Jens Wickert
Geosci. Model Dev. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-2024-237, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-2024-237, 2025
Preprint under review for GMD
Short summary
Short summary
Atmospheric signal propagation effects are one of the largest error sources in the analysis of space geodetic techniques. Inaccuracies in the modelling map into errors in positioning, navigation and timing. We describe the open source ray tracing tool DNS and show the two outstanding features of this tool compared to previous model developments: it can handle both the troposphere and the ionosphere and it does so efficiently. This makes the tool perfectly suited for geoscientific applications.
Rohith Thundathil, Florian Zus, Galina Dick, and Jens Wickert
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-19, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-19, 2025
This preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Measurement Techniques (AMT).
Short summary
Short summary
Tropospheric gradients provide information on the moisture distribution, whereas ZTDs provide the absolute amount of moisture through integrated water vapor. When TGs are assimilated with ZTDs, it helps the model actuate the moisture fields, correcting its dynamics. In our research, we show evidence that in particular regions with very few GNSS stations, the assimilation of gradients on top of ZTDs can provide the same impact as the assimilation of only ZTDs with dense coverage of GNSS stations.
Yuanxin Pan, Grzegorz Kłopotek, Laura Crocetti, Rudi Weinacker, Tobias Sturn, Linda See, Galina Dick, Gregor Möller, Markus Rothacher, Ian McCallum, Vicente Navarro, and Benedikt Soja
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 17, 4303–4316, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-4303-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-17-4303-2024, 2024
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Crowdsourced smartphone GNSS data were processed with a dedicated data processing pipeline and could produce millimeter-level accurate estimates of zenith total delay (ZTD) – a critical atmospheric variable. This breakthrough not only demonstrates the feasibility of using ubiquitous devices for high-precision atmospheric monitoring but also underscores the potential for a global, cost-effective tropospheric monitoring network.
Ladina Steiner, Holger Schmithüsen, Jens Wickert, and Olaf Eisen
The Cryosphere, 17, 4903–4916, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-4903-2023, https://doi.org/10.5194/tc-17-4903-2023, 2023
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The present study illustrates the potential of a combined Global Navigation Satellite System reflectometry and refractometry (GNSS-RR) method for accurate, simultaneous, and continuous estimation of in situ snow accumulation, snow water equivalent, and snow density time series. The combined GNSS-RR method was successfully applied on a fast-moving, polar ice shelf. The combined GNSS-RR approach could be highly advantageous for a continuous quantification of ice sheet surface mass balances.
Karina Wilgan, Galina Dick, Florian Zus, and Jens Wickert
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 15, 21–39, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-21-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-15-21-2022, 2022
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The assimilation of GNSS data in weather models has a positive impact on the forecasts. The impact is still limited due to using only the GPS zenith direction parameters. We calculate and validate more advanced tropospheric products from three satellite systems: the US American GPS, Russian GLONASS and European Galileo. The quality of all the solutions is comparable; however, combining more GNSS systems enhances the observations' geometry and improves the quality of the weather forecasts.
Benjamin Männel, Florian Zus, Galina Dick, Susanne Glaser, Maximilian Semmling, Kyriakos Balidakis, Jens Wickert, Marion Maturilli, Sandro Dahlke, and Harald Schuh
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 14, 5127–5138, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-5127-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-14-5127-2021, 2021
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Within the MOSAiC expedition, GNSS was used to monitor variations in atmospheric water vapor. Based on 15 months of continuously tracked data, coordinates and hourly zenith total delays (ZTDs) were determined using kinematic precise point positioning. The derived ZTD values agree within few millimeters with ERA5 and terrestrial GNSS and VLBI stations. The derived integrated water vapor corresponds to the frequently launched radiosondes (0.08 ± 0.04 kg m−2, rms of the differences of 1.47 kg m−2).
Andrea K. Steiner, Florian Ladstädter, Chi O. Ao, Hans Gleisner, Shu-Peng Ho, Doug Hunt, Torsten Schmidt, Ulrich Foelsche, Gottfried Kirchengast, Ying-Hwa Kuo, Kent B. Lauritsen, Anthony J. Mannucci, Johannes K. Nielsen, William Schreiner, Marc Schwärz, Sergey Sokolovskiy, Stig Syndergaard, and Jens Wickert
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 13, 2547–2575, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-2547-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-13-2547-2020, 2020
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High-quality observations are critically important for monitoring the Earth’s changing climate. We provide information on the consistency and long-term stability of observations from GPS radio occultation (RO). We assess, for the first time, RO records from multiple RO missions and all major RO data providers. Our results quantify where RO can be used for reliable trend assessment and confirm its climate quality.
Ankur Kepkar, Christina Arras, Jens Wickert, Harald Schuh, Mahdi Alizadeh, and Lung-Chih Tsai
Ann. Geophys., 38, 611–623, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-611-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-611-2020, 2020
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The paper focuses on the analyses of the global occurrence of equatorial plasma bubble events using S4 data that were calculated from GPS radio occultation measurements of the FormoSat-3/COSMIC mission. The advantage in using radio occultation data is that we get information not only on the occurrence and intensity of the equatorial bubble events, but also on the altitude distribution. We analyzed a 10.5-year time series of COSMIC data and demonstrated a strong dependence on the solar cycle.
Michal Kačmařík, Jan Douša, Florian Zus, Pavel Václavovic, Kyriakos Balidakis, Galina Dick, and Jens Wickert
Ann. Geophys., 37, 429–446, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-37-429-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-37-429-2019, 2019
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We provide an analysis of processing setting impacts on tropospheric gradients estimated from GNSS observation processing. These tropospheric gradients are related to water vapour distribution in the troposphere and therefore can be helpful in meteorological applications.
Fadwa Alshawaf, Kyriakos Balidakis, Galina Dick, Stefan Heise, and Jens Wickert
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 10, 3117–3132, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-10-3117-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-10-3117-2017, 2017
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In this paper, we aimed at estimating climatic trends using precipitable water vapor time series and surface measurements of air temperature in Germany. We used GNSS, ERA-Interim, and synoptic data. The results show mainly a positive trend in precipitable water vapor and temperature with an increase in the trend when moving to northeastern Germany.
Michal Kačmařík, Jan Douša, Galina Dick, Florian Zus, Hugues Brenot, Gregor Möller, Eric Pottiaux, Jan Kapłon, Paweł Hordyniec, Pavel Václavovic, and Laurent Morel
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 10, 2183–2208, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-10-2183-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-10-2183-2017, 2017
Georg Beyerle and Florian Zus
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 10, 15–34, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-10-15-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-10-15-2017, 2017
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Ground-based observations of GPS satellites disappearing below the local horizon are analysed. Starting at +2 degree elevation angle the GPS signals are recorded in open-loop tracking mode down to −1.5 degrees. The open-loop Doppler model has negligible influence on the derived data products for strong signal-to-noise ratios; at lower signal levels, however, a notable bias is uncovered. These results may have implications for the design of future space-based GPS radio occultation missions.
Cuixian Lu, Florian Zus, Maorong Ge, Robert Heinkelmann, Galina Dick, Jens Wickert, and Harald Schuh
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 9, 5965–5973, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-9-5965-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-9-5965-2016, 2016
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The recent dramatic development of multi-GNSS constellations brings great opportunities and potential for more enhanced precise positioning, navigation, timing, and other applications. In this contribution, we develop a numerical weather model (NWM) constrained PPP processing system to improve the multi-GNSS precise positioning. Compared to the standard PPP solution, significant improvements of both convergence time and positioning accuracy are achieved with the NWM-constrained PPP solution.
Guergana Guerova, Jonathan Jones, Jan Douša, Galina Dick, Siebren de Haan, Eric Pottiaux, Olivier Bock, Rosa Pacione, Gunnar Elgered, Henrik Vedel, and Michael Bender
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 9, 5385–5406, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-9-5385-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-9-5385-2016, 2016
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Application of global navigation satellite systems (GNSSs) for atmospheric remote sensing (GNSS meteorology) is a well-established field in both research and operation in Europe. This review covers the state of the art in GNSS meteorology in Europe. It discusses 1) advances in GNSS processing techniques and tropospheric products, 2) use in numerical weather prediction and nowcasting, and 3) climate research.
Jan Douša, Galina Dick, Michal Kačmařík, Radmila Brožková, Florian Zus, Hugues Brenot, Anastasia Stoycheva, Gregor Möller, and Jan Kaplon
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 9, 2989–3008, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-9-2989-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-9-2989-2016, 2016
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GNSS products provide observations of atmospheric water vapour. Advanced tropospheric products focus on ultra-fast and high-resolution zenith total delays (ZTDs), horizontal gradients and slant delays, all suitable for rapid-cycle numerical weather prediction (NWP) and severe weather event monitoring. The GNSS4SWEC Benchmark provides a complex data set for developing and assessing these products, with initial focus on reference ZTDs and gradients derived from several NWP and dense GNSS networks.
Fadwa Alshawaf, Galina Dick, Stefan Heise, Tzvetan Simeonov, Sibylle Vey, Torsten Schmidt, and Jens Wickert
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2016-151, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-2016-151, 2016
Revised manuscript not accepted
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In this work, we use time series from GNSS, European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts Reanalysis (ERA-Interim) data, and meteorological measurements to evaluate climate evolution in Central Europe. We monitor different atmospheric variables such as temperature, PWV, precipitation, and snow cover. The results show an increasing trend the water vapor time series that are correlated with the trend the temperature tme series. The average increase of water vapor is about 0.3–0.6 mm/decade .
T. Ning, J. Wang, G. Elgered, G. Dick, J. Wickert, M. Bradke, M. Sommer, R. Querel, and D. Smale
Atmos. Meas. Tech., 9, 79–92, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-9-79-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-9-79-2016, 2016
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Integrated water vapour (IWV) obtained from GNSS is to be developed into a GRUAN data product. In addition to the actual measurement, this data product needs to provide an estimate of the measurement uncertainty at the same time resolution as the actual measurement. The method developed in the paper fulfils the requirement by assigning a specific uncertainty to each data point. The method is also valuable for all applications of GNSS IWV data in atmospheric research and weather forecast.
S. Steinke, S. Eikenberg, U. Löhnert, G. Dick, D. Klocke, P. Di Girolamo, and S. Crewell
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 15, 2675–2692, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-2675-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-15-2675-2015, 2015
M. Shangguan, S. Heise, M. Bender, G. Dick, M. Ramatschi, and J. Wickert
Ann. Geophys., 33, 55–61, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-33-55-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-33-55-2015, 2015
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We present validation results covering 184 days of SIWV (slant-integrated water vapor) observed by a ground-based GPS receiver and a WVR (water vapor radiometer). SIWV data from GPS and WVR generally show good agreement, and the relation between their differences and possible influential factors are analyzed. The differences in SIWV show a relative elevation dependence. Besides the elevation, dependencies between the atmospheric humidity conditions, temperature and differences in SIWV are found.
F. Zus, G. Beyerle, S. Heise, T. Schmidt, and J. Wickert
Atmos. Meas. Tech. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/amtd-7-12719-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/amtd-7-12719-2014, 2014
Preprint withdrawn
M. Shangguan, M. Bender, M. Ramatschi, G. Dick, J. Wickert, A. Raabe, and R. Galas
Ann. Geophys., 31, 1491–1505, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-1491-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-1491-2013, 2013
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Particles in the Earth's atmosphere strongly impact the planet's energy budget, and atmosphere simulations require accurate representation of their interaction with light. This work introduces two approaches to represent light scattering by small particles. The first is a scattering simulator based on Mie theory implemented in Python. The second is a neural network emulator that is more accurate than existing methods and is fast enough to be used in climate and weather simulations.
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Geosci. Model Dev., 18, 1769–1784, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-1769-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-1769-2025, 2025
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Geosci. Model Dev., 18, 1661–1671, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-1661-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-1661-2025, 2025
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The study describes the updates of NOAA's current UFS-AQMv7 air quality forecast model by incorporating the latest scientific and structural changes in CMAQv5.4. An evaluation during the summer of 2023 shows that the updated model overall improves the simulation of MDA8 O3 by reducing the bias by 8%–12% in the contiguous US. PM2.5 predictions have mixed results due to wildfire, highlighting the need for future refinements.
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Geosci. Model Dev., 18, 1545–1559, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-1545-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-1545-2025, 2025
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Most works have delved into convective weather nowcasting, and only a few works have discussed the nowcasting uncertainty for variables at the surface level. Hence, we proposed a method to estimate uncertainty. Generating appropriate noises associated with the characteristic of the error in analysis can simulate the uncertainty of nowcasting. This method can contribute to the estimation of near–surface analysis uncertainty in both nowcasting applications and ensemble nowcasting development.
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Geosci. Model Dev., 18, 1505–1544, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-1505-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-1505-2025, 2025
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The Community Inversion Framework (CIF) brings together methods for estimating greenhouse gas fluxes from atmospheric observations. The initial ensemble method implemented in CIF was found to be incomplete and could hardly be compared to other ensemble methods employed in the inversion community. In this paper, we present and evaluate a new implementation of the ensemble mode, building upon the initial developments.
Astrid Kerkweg, Timo Kirfel, Duong H. Do, Sabine Griessbach, Patrick Jöckel, and Domenico Taraborrelli
Geosci. Model Dev., 18, 1265–1286, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-1265-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-1265-2025, 2025
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Normally, the Modular Earth Submodel System (MESSy) is linked to complete dynamic models to create chemical climate models. However, the modular concept of MESSy and the newly developed DWARF component presented here make it possible to create simplified models that contain only one or a few process descriptions. This is very useful for technical optimisation, such as porting to GPUs, and can be used to create less complex models, such as a chemical box model.
Edward C. Chan, Ilona J. Jäkel, Basit Khan, Martijn Schaap, Timothy M. Butler, Renate Forkel, and Sabine Banzhaf
Geosci. Model Dev., 18, 1119–1139, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-1119-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-1119-2025, 2025
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An enhanced emission module has been developed for the PALM model system, improving flexibility and scalability of emission source representation across different sectors. A model for parametrized domestic emissions has also been included, for which an idealized model run is conducted for particulate matter (PM10). The results show that, in addition to individual sources and diurnal variations in energy consumption, vertical transport and urban topology play a role in concentration distribution.
Gregor Ehrensperger, Thorsten Simon, Georg J. Mayr, and Tobias Hell
Geosci. Model Dev., 18, 1141–1153, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-1141-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-1141-2025, 2025
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As lightning is a brief and localized event, it is not explicitly resolved in atmospheric models. Instead, expert-based auxiliary descriptions are used to assess it. This study explores how AI can improve our understanding of lightning without relying on traditional expert knowledge. We reveal that AI independently identified the key factors known to experts as essential for lightning in the Alps region. This shows how knowledge discovery could be sped up in areas with limited expert knowledge.
David Patoulias, Kalliopi Florou, and Spyros N. Pandis
Geosci. Model Dev., 18, 1103–1118, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-1103-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-1103-2025, 2025
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The effect of the assumed atmospheric nucleation mechanism on particle number concentrations and size distribution was investigated. Two quite different mechanisms involving sulfuric acid and ammonia or a biogenic organic vapor gave quite similar results which were consistent with measurements at 26 measurement stations across Europe. The number of larger particles that serve as cloud condensation nuclei showed little sensitivity to the assumed nucleation mechanism.
Tim Radke, Susanne Fuchs, Christian Wilms, Iuliia Polkova, and Marc Rautenhaus
Geosci. Model Dev., 18, 1017–1039, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-1017-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-1017-2025, 2025
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In our study, we built upon previous work to investigate the patterns artificial intelligence (AI) learns to detect atmospheric features like tropical cyclones (TCs) and atmospheric rivers (ARs). As primary objective, we adopt a method to explain the AI used and investigate the plausibility of learned patterns. We find that plausible patterns are learned for both TCs and ARs. Hence, the chosen method is very useful for gaining confidence in the AI-based detection of atmospheric features.
Felipe Cifuentes, Henk Eskes, Enrico Dammers, Charlotte Bryan, and Folkert Boersma
Geosci. Model Dev., 18, 621–649, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-621-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-621-2025, 2025
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We tested the capability of the flux divergence approach (FDA) to reproduce known NOx emissions using synthetic NO2 satellite column retrievals from high-resolution model simulations. The FDA accurately reproduced NOx emissions when column observations were limited to the boundary layer and when the variability of the NO2 lifetime, the NOx : NO2 ratio, and NO2 profile shapes were correctly modeled. This introduces strong model dependency, reducing the simplicity of the original FDA formulation.
Stefano Ubbiali, Christian Kühnlein, Christoph Schär, Linda Schlemmer, Thomas C. Schulthess, Michael Staneker, and Heini Wernli
Geosci. Model Dev., 18, 529–546, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-529-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-529-2025, 2025
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We explore a high-level programming model for porting numerical weather prediction (NWP) model codes to graphics processing units (GPUs). We present a Python rewrite with the domain-specific library GT4Py (GridTools for Python) of two renowned cloud microphysics schemes and the associated tangent-linear and adjoint algorithms. We find excellent portability, competitive GPU performance, robust execution on diverse computing architectures, and enhanced code maintainability and user productivity.
Pieter Rijsdijk, Henk Eskes, Arlene Dingemans, K. Folkert Boersma, Takashi Sekiya, Kazuyuki Miyazaki, and Sander Houweling
Geosci. Model Dev., 18, 483–509, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-483-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-483-2025, 2025
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Clustering high-resolution satellite observations into superobservations improves model validation and data assimilation applications. In our paper, we derive quantitative uncertainties for satellite NO2 column observations based on knowledge of the retrievals, including a detailed analysis of spatial error correlations and representativity errors. The superobservations and uncertainty estimates are tested in a global chemical data assimilation system and are found to improve the forecasts.
Dario Di Santo, Cenlin He, Fei Chen, and Lorenzo Giovannini
Geosci. Model Dev., 18, 433–459, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-433-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-433-2025, 2025
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This paper presents the Machine Learning-based Automated Multi-method Parameter Sensitivity and Importance analysis Tool (ML-AMPSIT), a computationally efficient tool that uses machine learning algorithms for sensitivity analysis in atmospheric models. It is tested with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model coupled with the Noah-Multiparameterization (Noah-MP) land surface model to investigate sea breeze circulation sensitivity to vegetation-related parameters.
Robert Schoetter, Robin James Hogan, Cyril Caliot, and Valéry Masson
Geosci. Model Dev., 18, 405–431, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-405-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-405-2025, 2025
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Radiation is relevant to the atmospheric impact on people and infrastructure in cities as it can influence the urban heat island, building energy consumption, and human thermal comfort. A new urban radiation model, assuming a more realistic form of urban morphology, is coupled to the urban climate model Town Energy Balance (TEB). The new TEB is evaluated with a reference radiation model for a variety of urban morphologies, and an improvement in the simulated radiative observables is found.
Zebediah Engberg, Roger Teoh, Tristan Abbott, Thomas Dean, Marc E. J. Stettler, and Marc L. Shapiro
Geosci. Model Dev., 18, 253–286, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-253-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-253-2025, 2025
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Contrails forming in some atmospheric conditions may persist and become strongly warming cirrus, while in other conditions may be neutral or cooling. We develop a contrail forecast model to predict contrail climate forcing for any arbitrary point in space and time and explore integration into flight planning and air traffic management. This approach enables contrail interventions to target high-probability high-climate-impact regions and reduce unintended consequences of contrail management.
Nils Eingrüber, Alina Domm, Wolfgang Korres, and Karl Schneider
Geosci. Model Dev., 18, 141–160, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-141-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-141-2025, 2025
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Climate change adaptation measures like unsealings can reduce urban heat stress. As grass grid pavers have never been parameterized for microclimate model simulations with ENVI-met, a new parameterization was developed based on field measurements. To analyse the cooling potential, scenario analyses were performed for a densely developed area in Cologne. Statistically significant average cooling effects of up to −11.1 K were found for surface temperature and up to −2.9 K for 1 m air temperature.
Xuan Wang, Lei Bi, Hong Wang, Yaqiang Wang, Wei Han, Xueshun Shen, and Xiaoye Zhang
Geosci. Model Dev., 18, 117–139, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-117-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-117-2025, 2025
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The Artificial-Intelligence-based Nonspherical Aerosol Optical Scheme (AI-NAOS) was developed to improve the estimation of the aerosol direct radiation effect and was coupled online with a chemical weather model. The AI-NAOS scheme considers black carbon as fractal aggregates and soil dust as super-spheroids, encapsulated with hygroscopic aerosols. Real-case simulations emphasize the necessity of accurately representing nonspherical and inhomogeneous aerosols in chemical weather models.
Lukas Pfitzenmaier, Pavlos Kollias, Nils Risse, Imke Schirmacher, Bernat Puigdomenech Treserras, and Katia Lamer
Geosci. Model Dev., 18, 101–115, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-101-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-101-2025, 2025
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The Python tool Orbital-Radar transfers suborbital radar data (ground-based, airborne, and forward-simulated numerical weather prediction model) into synthetic spaceborne cloud profiling radar data, mimicking platform-specific instrument characteristics, e.g. EarthCARE or CloudSat. The tool's novelty lies in simulating characteristic errors and instrument noise. Thus, existing data sets are transferred into synthetic observations and can be used for satellite calibration–validation studies.
Mark Buehner, Jean-Francois Caron, Ervig Lapalme, Alain Caya, Ping Du, Yves Rochon, Sergey Skachko, Maziar Bani Shahabadi, Sylvain Heilliette, Martin Deshaies-Jacques, Weiguang Chang, and Michael Sitwell
Geosci. Model Dev., 18, 1–18, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-1-2025, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-18-1-2025, 2025
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The Modular and Integrated Data Assimilation System (MIDAS) software is described. The flexible design of MIDAS enables both deterministic and ensemble prediction applications for the atmosphere and several other Earth system components. It is currently used for all main operational weather prediction systems in Canada and also for sea ice and sea surface temperature analysis. The use of MIDAS for multiple Earth system components will facilitate future research on coupled data assimilation.
Zichen Wu, Xueshun Chen, Zifa Wang, Huansheng Chen, Zhe Wang, Qing Mu, Lin Wu, Wending Wang, Xiao Tang, Jie Li, Ying Li, Qizhong Wu, Yang Wang, Zhiyin Zou, and Zijian Jiang
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 8885–8907, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-8885-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-8885-2024, 2024
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We developed a model to simulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from global to regional scales. The model can reproduce PAH distribution well. The concentration of BaP (indicator species for PAHs) could exceed the target values of 1 ng m-3 over some areas (e.g., in central Europe, India, and eastern China). The change in BaP is lower than that in PM2.5 from 2013 to 2018. China still faces significant potential health risks posed by BaP although the Action Plan has been implemented.
Marie Taufour, Jean-Pierre Pinty, Christelle Barthe, Benoît Vié, and Chien Wang
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 8773–8798, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-8773-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-8773-2024, 2024
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We have developed a complete two-moment version of the LIMA (Liquid Ice Multiple Aerosols) microphysics scheme. We have focused on collection processes, where the hydrometeor number transfer is often estimated in proportion to the mass transfer. The impact of these parameterizations on a convective system and the prospects for more realistic estimates of secondary parameters (reflectivity, hydrometeor size) are shown in a first test on an idealized case.
Yuya Takane, Yukihiro Kikegawa, Ko Nakajima, and Hiroyuki Kusaka
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 8639–8664, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-8639-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-8639-2024, 2024
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A new parameterisation for dynamic anthropogenic heat and electricity consumption is described. The model reproduced the temporal variation in and spatial distributions of electricity consumption and temperature well in summer and winter. The partial air conditioning was the most critical factor, significantly affecting the value of anthropogenic heat emission.
Hongyi Li, Ting Yang, Lars Nerger, Dawei Zhang, Di Zhang, Guigang Tang, Haibo Wang, Yele Sun, Pingqing Fu, Hang Su, and Zifa Wang
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 8495–8519, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-8495-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-8495-2024, 2024
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To accurately characterize the spatiotemporal distribution of particulate matter <2.5 µm chemical components, we developed the Nested Air Quality Prediction Model System with the Parallel Data Assimilation Framework (NAQPMS-PDAF) v2.0 for chemical components with non-Gaussian and nonlinear properties. NAQPMS-PDAF v2.0 has better computing efficiency, excels when used with a small ensemble size, and can significantly improve the simulation performance of chemical components.
T. Nash Skipper, Christian Hogrefe, Barron H. Henderson, Rohit Mathur, Kristen M. Foley, and Armistead G. Russell
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 8373–8397, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-8373-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-8373-2024, 2024
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Chemical transport model simulations are combined with ozone observations to estimate the bias in ozone attributable to US anthropogenic sources and individual sources of US background ozone: natural sources, non-US anthropogenic sources, and stratospheric ozone. Results indicate a positive bias correlated with US anthropogenic emissions during summer in the eastern US and a negative bias correlated with stratospheric ozone during spring.
Li Fang, Jianbing Jin, Arjo Segers, Ke Li, Ji Xia, Wei Han, Baojie Li, Hai Xiang Lin, Lei Zhu, Song Liu, and Hong Liao
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 8267–8282, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-8267-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-8267-2024, 2024
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Model evaluations against ground observations are usually unfair. The former simulates mean status over coarse grids and the latter the surrounding atmosphere. To solve this, we proposed the new land-use-based representative (LUBR) operator that considers intra-grid variance. The LUBR operator is validated to provide insights that align with satellite measurements. The results highlight the importance of considering fine-scale urban–rural differences when comparing models and observation.
Mijie Pang, Jianbing Jin, Arjo Segers, Huiya Jiang, Wei Han, Batjargal Buyantogtokh, Ji Xia, Li Fang, Jiandong Li, Hai Xiang Lin, and Hong Liao
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 8223–8242, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-8223-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-8223-2024, 2024
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The ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) improves dust storm forecasts but faces challenges with position errors. The valid time shifting EnKF (VTS-EnKF) addresses this by adjusting for position errors, enhancing accuracy in forecasting dust storms, as proven in tests on 2021 events, even with smaller ensembles and time intervals.
Mike Bush, David L. A. Flack, Huw W. Lewis, Sylvia I. Bohnenstengel, Chris J. Short, Charmaine Franklin, Adrian P. Lock, Martin Best, Paul Field, Anne McCabe, Kwinten Van Weverberg, Segolene Berthou, Ian Boutle, Jennifer K. Brooke, Seb Cole, Shaun Cooper, Gareth Dow, John Edwards, Anke Finnenkoetter, Kalli Furtado, Kate Halladay, Kirsty Hanley, Margaret A. Hendry, Adrian Hill, Aravindakshan Jayakumar, Richard W. Jones, Humphrey Lean, Joshua C. K. Lee, Andy Malcolm, Marion Mittermaier, Saji Mohandas, Stuart Moore, Cyril Morcrette, Rachel North, Aurore Porson, Susan Rennie, Nigel Roberts, Belinda Roux, Claudio Sanchez, Chun-Hsu Su, Simon Tucker, Simon Vosper, David Walters, James Warner, Stuart Webster, Mark Weeks, Jonathan Wilkinson, Michael Whitall, Keith D. Williams, and Hugh Zhang
Geosci. Model Dev. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-2024-201, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-2024-201, 2024
Revised manuscript accepted for GMD
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RAL configurations define settings for the Unified Model atmosphere and Joint UK Land Environment Simulator. The third version of the Regional Atmosphere and Land (RAL3) science configuration for kilometre and sub-km scale modelling represents a major advance compared to previous versions (RAL2) by delivering a common science definition for applications in tropical and mid-latitude regions. RAL3 has more realistic precipitation distributions and improved representation of clouds and visibility.
Prabhakar Namdev, Maithili Sharan, Piyush Srivastava, and Saroj Kanta Mishra
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 8093–8114, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-8093-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-8093-2024, 2024
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Inadequate representation of surface–atmosphere interaction processes is a major source of uncertainty in numerical weather prediction models. Here, an effort has been made to improve the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model version 4.2.2 by introducing a unique theoretical framework under convective conditions. In addition, to enhance the potential applicability of the WRF modeling system, various commonly used similarity functions under convective conditions have also been installed.
Andrew Gettelman, Richard Forbes, Roger Marchand, Chih-Chieh Chen, and Mark Fielding
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 8069–8092, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-8069-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-8069-2024, 2024
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Supercooled liquid clouds (liquid clouds colder than 0°C) are common at higher latitudes (especially over the Southern Ocean) and are critical for constraining climate projections. We compare a single-column version of a weather model to observations with two different cloud schemes and find that both the dynamical environment and atmospheric aerosols are important for reproducing observations.
Yujuan Wang, Peng Zhang, Jie Li, Yaman Liu, Yanxu Zhang, Jiawei Li, and Zhiwei Han
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 7995–8021, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-7995-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-7995-2024, 2024
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This study updates the CESM's aerosol schemes, focusing on dust, marine aerosol emissions, and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) . Dust emission modifications make deflation areas more continuous, improving results in North America and the sub-Arctic. Humidity correction to sea-salt emissions has a minor effect. Introducing marine organic aerosol emissions, coupled with ocean biogeochemical processes, and adding aqueous reactions for SOA formation advance the CESM's aerosol modelling results.
Lucas A. McMichael, Michael J. Schmidt, Robert Wood, Peter N. Blossey, and Lekha Patel
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 7867–7888, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-7867-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-7867-2024, 2024
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Marine cloud brightening (MCB) is a climate intervention technique to potentially cool the climate. Climate models used to gauge regional climate impacts associated with MCB often assume large areas of the ocean are uniformly perturbed. However, a more realistic representation of MCB application would require information about how an injected particle plume spreads. This work aims to develop such a plume-spreading model.
Leonardo Olivetti and Gabriele Messori
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 7915–7962, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-7915-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-7915-2024, 2024
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Data-driven models are becoming a viable alternative to physics-based models for weather forecasting up to 15 d into the future. However, it is unclear whether they are as reliable as physics-based models when forecasting weather extremes. We evaluate their performance in forecasting near-surface cold, hot, and windy extremes globally. We find that data-driven models can compete with physics-based models and that the choice of the best model mainly depends on the region and type of extreme.
David C. Wong, Jeff Willison, Jonathan E. Pleim, Golam Sarwar, James Beidler, Russ Bullock, Jerold A. Herwehe, Rob Gilliam, Daiwen Kang, Christian Hogrefe, George Pouliot, and Hosein Foroutan
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 7855–7866, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-7855-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-7855-2024, 2024
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This work describe how we linked the meteorological Model for Prediction Across Scales – Atmosphere (MPAS-A) with the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) air quality model to form a coupled modelling system. This could be used to study air quality or climate and air quality interaction at a global scale. This new model scales well in high-performance computing environments and performs well with respect to ground surface networks in terms of ozone and PM2.5.
Markus Kunze, Christoph Zülicke, Tarique Adnan Siddiqui, Claudia Christine Stephan, Yosuke Yamazaki, Claudia Stolle, Sebastian Borchert, and Hauke Schmidt
Geosci. Model Dev. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-2024-191, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-2024-191, 2024
Revised manuscript accepted for GMD
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We present the Icosahedral Nonhydrostatic (ICON) general circulation model with upper atmosphere extension with the physics package for numerical weather prediction (UA-ICON(NWP)). The parameters for the gravity wave parameterizations were optimized, and realistic modelling of the thermal and dynamic state of the mesopause regions was achieved. UA-ICON(NWP) now shows a realistic frequency of major sudden stratospheric warmings and well-represented solar tides in temperature.
Giulio Mandorli and Claudia J. Stubenrauch
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 7795–7813, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-7795-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-7795-2024, 2024
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In recent years, several studies focused their attention on the disposition of convection. Lots of methods, called indices, have been developed to quantify the amount of convection clustering. These indices are evaluated in this study by defining criteria that must be satisfied and then evaluating the indices against these standards. None of the indices meet all criteria, with some only partially meeting them.
Wonbae Bang, Jacob Carlin, Kwonil Kim, Alexander Ryzhkov, Guosheng Liu, and Gyuwon Lee
Geosci. Model Dev. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-2024-179, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-2024-179, 2024
Revised manuscript accepted for GMD
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Microphysics model-based diagnosis such as the spectral bin model (SBM) recently has been attempted to diagnose winter precipitation types. In this study, the accuracy of SBM-based precipitation type diagnosis is compared with other traditional methods. SBM have relatively higher accuracy about snow and wetsnow events whereas lower accuracy about rain event. When microphysics scheme in the SBM was optimized for the corresponding region, accuracy about rain events was improved.
Kerry Anderson, Jack Chen, Peter Englefield, Debora Griffin, Paul A. Makar, and Dan Thompson
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 7713–7749, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-7713-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-7713-2024, 2024
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The Global Forest Fire Emissions Prediction System (GFFEPS) is a model that predicts smoke and carbon emissions from wildland fires. The model calculates emissions from the ground up based on satellite-detected fires, modelled weather and fire characteristics. Unlike other global models, GFFEPS uses daily weather conditions to capture changing burning conditions on a day-to-day basis. GFFEPS produced lower carbon emissions due to the changing weather not captured by the other models.
Jianyu Lin, Tie Dai, Lifang Sheng, Weihang Zhang, Shangfei Hai, and Yawen Kong
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3321, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3321, 2024
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The effectiveness of assimilation system and its sensitivity to ensemble member size and length of assimilation window have been investigated. This study advances our understanding about the selection of basic parameters in the four-dimension local ensemble transform Kalman filter assimilation system and the performance of ensemble simulation in a particulate matter polluted environment.
Samiha Binte Shahid, Forrest G. Lacey, Christine Wiedinmyer, Robert J. Yokelson, and Kelley C. Barsanti
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 7679–7711, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-7679-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-7679-2024, 2024
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The Next-generation Emissions InVentory expansion of Akagi (NEIVA) v.1.0 is a comprehensive biomass burning emissions database that allows integration of new data and flexible querying. Data are stored in connected datasets, including recommended averages of ~1500 constituents for 14 globally relevant fire types. Individual compounds were mapped to common model species to allow better attribution of emissions in modeling studies that predict the effects of fires on air quality and climate.
Kang Hu, Hong Liao, Dantong Liu, Jianbing Jin, Lei Chen, Siyuan Li, Yangzhou Wu, Changhao Wu, Shitong Zhao, Xiaotong Jiang, Ping Tian, Kai Bi, Ye Wang, and Delong Zhao
Geosci. Model Dev. Discuss., https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-2024-157, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-2024-157, 2024
Revised manuscript accepted for GMD
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This study combines Machine Learning with Concentration-Weighted Trajectory Analysis to quantify regional transport PM2.5. From 2013–2020, local emissions dominated Beijing's pollution events. The Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan reduced regional transport pollution, but the eastern region showed the smallest decrease. Beijing should prioritize local emission reduction while considering the east region's contributions in future strategies.
Lucie Bakels, Daria Tatsii, Anne Tipka, Rona Thompson, Marina Dütsch, Michael Blaschek, Petra Seibert, Katharina Baier, Silvia Bucci, Massimo Cassiani, Sabine Eckhardt, Christine Groot Zwaaftink, Stephan Henne, Pirmin Kaufmann, Vincent Lechner, Christian Maurer, Marie D. Mulder, Ignacio Pisso, Andreas Plach, Rakesh Subramanian, Martin Vojta, and Andreas Stohl
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 7595–7627, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-7595-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-7595-2024, 2024
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Computer models are essential for improving our understanding of how gases and particles move in the atmosphere. We present an update of the atmospheric transport model FLEXPART. FLEXPART 11 is more accurate due to a reduced number of interpolations and a new scheme for wet deposition. It can simulate non-spherical aerosols and includes linear chemical reactions. It is parallelised using OpenMP and includes new user options. A new user manual details how to use FLEXPART 11.
Bjarke Tobias Eisensøe Olsen, Andrea Noemi Hahmann, Nicolás González Alonso-de-Linaje, Mark Žagar, and Martin Dörenkämper
EGUsphere, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3123, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3123, 2024
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Low-level jets (LLJs) are strong winds in the lower atmosphere, important for wind energy as turbines get taller. This study compares a weather model (WRF) with real data across five North and Baltic Sea sites. Adjusting the model improved accuracy over the widely-used ERA5. In key offshore regions, LLJs occur 10–15 % of the time and significantly boost wind power, especially in spring and summer, contributing up to 30 % of total capacity in some areas.
Jaroslav Resler, Petra Bauerová, Michal Belda, Martin Bureš, Kryštof Eben, Vladimír Fuka, Jan Geletič, Radek Jareš, Jan Karel, Josef Keder, Pavel Krč, William Patiño, Jelena Radović, Hynek Řezníček, Matthias Sühring, Adriana Šindelářová, and Ondřej Vlček
Geosci. Model Dev., 17, 7513–7537, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-7513-2024, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-17-7513-2024, 2024
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Detailed modeling of urban air quality in stable conditions is a challenge. We show the unprecedented sensitivity of a large eddy simulation (LES) model to meteorological boundary conditions and model parameters in an urban environment under stable conditions. We demonstrate the crucial role of boundary conditions for the comparability of results with observations. The study reveals a strong sensitivity of the results to model parameters and model numerical instabilities during such conditions.
Cited articles
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Boniface, K., Ducrocq, V., Jaubert, G., Yan, X., Brousseau, P., Masson, F., Champollion, C., Chéry, J., and Doerflinger, E.: Impact of high-resolution data assimilation of GPS zenith delay on Mediterranean heavy rainfall forecasting, Ann. Geophys., 27, 2739–2753, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-27-2739-2009, 2009. a
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Chen, S.-Y., Huang, C.-Y., Kuo, Y.-H., Guo, Y.-R., and Sokolovskiy, S.: Assimilation of GPS refractivity from FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC using a nonlocal operator with WRF 3DVAR and its impact on the prediction of a typhoon event, Terr. Atmos. Ocean. Sci., 20, 133–154, https://doi.org/10.3319/TAO.2007.11.29.01(F3C), 2009. a
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Kačmařík, M., Douša, J., Zus, F., Václavovic, P., Balidakis, K., Dick, G., and Wickert, J.: Sensitivity of GNSS tropospheric gradients to processing options, Ann. Geophys., 37, 429–446, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-37-429-2019, 2019. a
Lagasio, M., Parodi, A., Pulvirenti, L., Meroni, A. N., Boni, G., Pierdicca, N., Marzano, F. S., Luini, L., Venuti, G., Realini, E., Gatti, A., Tagliaferro, G., Barindelli, S., Monti Guarnieri, A., Goga, K., Terzo, O., Rucci, A., Passera, E., Kranzlmueller, D., and Rommen, B.: A synergistic use of a high-resolution numerical weather prediction model and high-resolution earth observation products to improve precipitation forecast, Remote Sens., 11, 2387, https://doi.org/10.3390/rs11202387, 2019. a
Li, X., Dick, G., Lu, C., Ge, M., Nilsson, T., Ning, T., Wickert, J., and Schuh, H.: Multi-GNSS meteorology: real-time retrieving of atmospheric water vapor from BeiDou, Galileo, GLONASS, and GPS observations, IEEE T. Geosci. Remote, 53, 6385–6393, 2015. a
Lindskog, M., Ridal, M., Thorsteinsson, S., and Ning, T.: Data assimilation of GNSS zenith total delays from a Nordic processing centre, Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 13983–13998, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-13983-2017, 2017. a
Mahfouf, J.-F., Ahmed, F., Moll, P., and Teferle, F. N.: Assimilation of zenith total delays in the AROME France convective scale model: a recent assessment, Tellus A, 67, 26106, https://doi.org/10.3402/tellusa.v67.26106, 2015. a
Mascitelli, A., Federico, S., Fortunato, M., Avolio, E., Torcasio, R. C., Realini, E., Mazzoni, A., Transerici, C., Crespi, M., and Dietrich, S.: Data assimilation of GPS-ZTD into the RAMS model through 3D-Var: preliminary results at the regional scale, Meas. Sci. Technol., 30, 055801, https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6501/ab0b87, 2019. a
Mascitelli, A., Federico, S., Torcasio, R., and Dietrich, S.: Assimilation of GPS Zenith Total Delay estimates in RAMS NWP model: Impact studies over central Italy, Adv. Space Res., 68, 4783–4793, 2021. a
Morel, L., Pottiaux, E., Durand, F., Fund, F., Boniface, K., de Oliveira Junior, P. S., and Van Baelen, J.: Validity and behaviour of tropospheric gradients estimated by GPS in Corsica, Adv. Space Res., 55, 135–149, 2015. a
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Rohm, W., Guzikowski, J., Wilgan, K., and Kryza, M.: 4DVAR assimilation of GNSS zenith path delays and precipitable water into a numerical weather prediction model WRF, Atmos. Meas. Tech., 12, 345–361, https://doi.org/10.5194/amt-12-345-2019, 2019. a
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Thundathil, R. M.: Assimilation of GNSS Tropospheric Gradients into the Weather Research and Forecasting Model Version 4.4.1, Zenodo [code], https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10276429, 2023. a, b
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Walpersdorf, A., Calais, E., Haase, J., Eymard, L., Desbois, M., and Vedel, H.: Atmospheric gradients estimated by GPS compared to a high resolution numerical weather prediction (NWP) model, Phys. Chem. Earth, A, 26, 147–152, 2001. a
Wickert, J., Dick, G., Schmidt, T., Asgarimehr, M., Antonoglou, N., Arras, C., Brack, A., Ge, M., Kepkar, A., Männel, B., Nguyen, C., Oluwadare, T. S., Schuh, H., Semmling, M., Simeonov, T., Vey, S., Wilgan, K., and Zus, F.: GNSS remote sensing at GFZ: Overview and recent results, ZfV-Zeitschrift für Geodäsie, Geoinformation und Landmanagement, https://doi.org/10.12902/zfv-0320-2020, 2020. a
Yan, X., Ducrocq, V., Poli, P., Hakam, M., Jaubert, G., and Walpersdorf, A.: Impact of GPS zenith delay assimilation on convective-scale prediction of Mediterranean heavy rainfall, J. Geophys. Res.-Atmos., 114, D03104, https://doi.org/10.1029/2008JD011036, 2009. a
Zus, F., Bender, M., Deng, Z., Dick, G., Heise, S., Shang-Guan, M., and Wickert, J.: A methodology to compute GPS slant total delays in a numerical weather model, Radio Sci., 47, 1–15, 2012. a
Zus, F., Dick, G., Heise, S., and Wickert, J.: A forward operator and its adjoint for GPS slant total delays, Radio Sci., 50, 393–405, 2015. a
Zus, F., Douša, J., Kačmařík, M., Václavovic, P., Dick, G., and Wickert, J.: Estimating the impact of global navigation satellite system horizontal delay gradients in variational data assimilation, Remote Sens., 11, 41, https://doi.org/10.3390/rs11010041, 2018. a, b
Zus, F., Thundathil, R., Dick, G., and Wickert, J.: Fast Observation Operator for Global Navigation Satellite System Tropospheric Gradients, Remote Sens., 15, 5114, https://doi.org/10.3390/rs15215114, 2023. a
Short summary
Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) provides moisture observations through its densely distributed ground station network. In this research, we assimilate a new type of observation called tropospheric gradient observations, which has never been incorporated into a weather model. We develop a forward operator for gradient-based observations and conduct an assimilation impact study. The study shows significant improvements in the model's humidity fields.
Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) provides moisture observations through its densely...