An Evaluation of the MM5, RAMS, and Meso-Eta Models at Subkilometer Resolution Using VTMX Field Campaign Data in the Salt Lake Valley

Abstract This study presents what is, to the authors' knowledge, the first intercomparison and evaluation of three state-of-the-art mesoscale numerical models, the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–NCAR Mesoscale Model (MMS), the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS), and the NCEP Meso-Eta, at horizontal resolution finer than 1 km. Simulations were carried out for both weak and strong synoptic forcing cases during the Vertical Transport and Mixing (VTMX) field campaign conducted in the Salt Lake valley in October of 2000. Both upper-air and surface observations at high spatial and temporal resolution were used to evaluate the simulations with a focus on boundary layer structures and thermally driven circulations that developed in the valley. Despite differences in the coordinate systems, numerical algorithms, and physical parameterizations used by the three models, the types of forecast errors were surprisingly similar. The common errors in predicted valley temperature structure include...

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