Verifying MM5
AREA OF RESEARCH
Meteorological Modeling
PROJECT NAME
Warm-Season Statistical Verification of The Pennsylvania State University Real-Time Mesoscale Model Version 5.
DATES
Fall, 1997 -- Spring, 1998
RESEARCHERS
Mark P. Fitzgerald
DEPARTMENT
Meteorology
DESCRIPTION
The objective of this study was to identify the strengths and weaknesses
of the current version of the Pennsylvania State University -- National
Center for Atmospheric Research mesoscale model, known widely as MM5,
operated in real time at Penn State. In this study, warm-season simulations
from MM5 are verified against actual data from surface METAR and upper-air
soundings. Two model domains were employed -- a 36-km coarse mesh
encompassing the CONUS, and a 12-km fine mesh centered on Pennsylvania.
Variables that were verified include temperature, dew point, relative
humidity, wind direction and speed, geopotential height and sea-level
pressure. Verification statistics included bias, mean absolute error,
root mean square error, and the decomposition of a skill score based on
the mean square error. Studies were conducted on predicted/observed
weather on the surface and at 850, 700, 500 and 250 millibar levels.
Data explorer was employed in two ways: as the basic research tool
in determining the validity of analysis and assumptions, and in the
presentation of results.
VISUALIZATION CREDITS
Programming: Ray Masters
Software: Data Explorer, V3.1.4B, Custom Fortran
Hardware: SGI Indy, IBM RS6000
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sp@rcc.its.psu.edu
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