Available online: https://www.meted.ucar.edu/training_module.php?id=705

Impact of Model Structure & Dynamics, part of the "NWP Training Series: Effective Use of NWP in the Forecast Process", explains how a model forecast, and thus interpretation of that forecast, is affected by the basic design of the model. Topics include how meteorological variables are represented in grid point and spectral models, fundamental differences between hydrostatic and nonhydrostatic models, horizontal resolution of orographic and free-atmosphere features, vertical coordinate systems and how they affect the vertical resolution of features in the model forecast, and the forecast impact of lower, upper, and lateral boundary conditions, including nesting of high-resolution domains. Back in 2000, the subject matter expert for this module was Dr. Ralph Petersen of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction, Environmental Modeling Center (NCEP/EMC). Revisions to the module were made in 2009 by Drs. Bill Bua and Stephen Jascourt, from the NWP team at UCAR/COMET.
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Language(s): English
Format: Digital (Standard Copyright)
Tags: Weather forecasting ; Numerical weather prediction ; Lesson/ Tutorial ; NWP Skills and Knowledge for Operational Meteorologists Add tag