Simulations of Mesoscale Flow Systems around Dugway Proving Ground Using the WRF Modeling System

It is widely recognized that regions with complex heterogeneous topography and land-use properties produce a variety of diurnal mesoscale microscale flows, which can be modified or even masked by significant large-scale synoptic forcing. These flows produced through both dynamic thermal-forcing processes. Recent field programs such as the Terrain-induced Rotor Experiment (T-REX), Mountain Terrain Atmospheric Modeling Observations Program (MATERHORN), Perdigao have been used to observe model flow behaviors under different topographical meteorological conditions. Using Advanced research version Weather Research Forecast (WRF-ARW) model, we applied multi-nesting using an interactive one-way nesting approach resolve sub-kilometer inner-grid spacing (0.452 km). Our interest was in intensive observation period 6 (IOP6) Fall 2012 MATERHORN campaign conducted over Dugway Proving Ground (DPG) Utah. An initial review IOP6 suggested range were present, relatively small subset setup configurations would able capture general this period. The also led us believe same differences due variations choice boundary-layer physics, land surface use/soil type specifications, larger-scale A high vertical resolution used, 90 sigma levels applied. spanned 0800 UTC 14 October–0800 15 October. Based upon lack deep convection moist microphysics throughout IOP6, included comparison planetary boundary layer (PBL) turbulence parameterization schemes at grid spacing. We focused gross performance our inner nest; therefore, detailed effects horizontal are excluded. For parameters wind temperature, compare mean absolute error bias scores number observing sites. found despite attention given radiation physics resolution, results seemed indicate more impact from choices thermal soil conductivity parameterization, surface/soil texture category classification (and associated static property-parameter values), forcing model. This finding lends support what other researchers related how these forcings exert strong influence around DPG. findings suggest two nights offer pair excellent consecutive explore many features important local terrain flow. case valley, anabatic/katabatic, playa breeze systems. Subjective evidence provided modest northwesterly present within lower troposphere (mainly on night October). Follow-on WRF-ARW capability nest directly mesoscale-to-LES leverage further. example, uncover aspects thermodynamic contributing DPG flows.