Implementation of Noah land surface model advances in the National Centers for Environmental Prediction operational mesoscale Eta model

• Published in: Journal of Geophysical Research - Atmospheres Vol. 108; no. D22; pp. 8851 - n/a
• Main Authors: Ek, M. B., Mitchell, K. E., Lin, Y., Rogers, E., Grunmann, P., Koren, V., Gayno, G., Tarpley, J. D.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Geophysical Union 27-11-2003; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: coupled modeling; Eta model; land surface model; Land/atmosphere interactions; Mesoscale meteorology; Meteorology and Atmospheric Dynamics; North America
• ISSN: 0148-0227; 2156-2202
• DOI: 10.1029/2002JD003296

We present the impact tests that preceded the most recent operational upgrades to the land surface model used in the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) mesoscale Eta model, whose operational domain includes North America. These improvements consist of changes to the “Noah” land surface model (LSM) physics, most notable in the area of cold season processes. Results indicate improved performance in forecasting low‐level temperature and humidity, with improvements to (or without affecting) the overall performance of the Eta model quantitative precipitation scores and upper air verification statistics. Remaining issues that directly affect the Noah LSM performance in the Eta model include physical parameterizations of radiation and clouds, which affect the amount of available energy at the surface, and stable boundary layer and surface layer processes, which affect surface turbulent heat fluxes and ultimately the surface energy budget.