Validation of Large-Eddy Simulations of Flows Over Complex Terrain with the Weather Research and Forecasting Model

Simulations of flows in heterogeneous boundary layers are of great importance for a wide range of applications including wind energy. Recent developments in numerical weather prediction codes enable their nearly seamless use across a wide range of atmospheric scales from synoptic to turbulent scales in atmospheric boundary layers. To develop a comprehensive multiscale simulation capability we are utilizing nesting capability in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. Achieving accurate multiscale simulations requires extensive code validation under a range of atmospheric conditions as well as addressing the question of turbulence modeling in the range of scales between mesoscales and boundary layer scales. Toward a goal of developing capability for multiscale simulations we utilize the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) NWP model. WRF provides a framework that allows nesting techniques than can be used to bridge the gap between meso- and micro-scale regimes by progressive refinement of spatial and temporal scales. We first focus on validation of WRF-LES for simulations of flows over complex terrain using data from Askervein Hill experiment (Taylor and Teunissen, 1985, 1987).