Implementation of NASA/GSFC GCE Ice Schemes into WRF

WRF is a next-generation mesoscale forecast model and assimilation system, which started with a blank sheet almost seven years ago. The model has since incorporated modern advanced dynamics, numeric and data assimilation techniques, a multiple relocatable nesting capability, and improved physical packages. WRF also adopted an advanced software framework to allow incremental and reasonably rapid development towards full-functionality while maintaining overall consistency on its own architecture and interface. The WRF model can be used for a wide range of applications, from idealized research to operational forecasting, with an emphasis on horizontal grid sizes in the range of 1-10 km. The WRF is a prime candidate to replace existing research and forecast models as MM5 users being strongly encouraged to begin transitioning to it. WRF v2.0.3.1 was recently released in December 2004 with one-way/two-way interactive nesting, Eulerian mass coordinate, WRFSI v2.0 and WRF 3DVAR v2.0. Several improvement are also undergoing among many WRF developer groups. The current WRF includes 1) Lin et al. (1983), Kessler, and Ferrier microphysics schemes; 2) Kain-Fritsch, and Betts-Miller-Janjic cumulus parameterization schemes; 3) Mellor-Yamada-Janjic PBL scheme; 4) GFDL, and Goddard (Chou) shortwave radiation; 5) GFDL, and RRTM long-wave radiation and many other optional physical packages. Our group will implement several ice schemes based on Tao et al. (2003), Goddard radiation (including explicitly calculated cloud optical properties), LIS (including the CLM and NOAH land surface models), rainfall and bogus vortex assimilation techniques and diagnostics into the WRF. We will perform benchmark cases from real case studies. In this meeting, we will present the impact of the first phase of our endeavor resulted from adding several ice schemes (Tao et al. 2003) into WRF.