Sensitivities of Intensification and Eyewall Evolution of the Simulated Hurricane Isabel (2003) to Different Microphysics Schemes in the Weather Forecast and Research (WRF) Model

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 moveable 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 v2.1.1, WRFSI v2.1.1 and WRF-VAR v2.1 were recently released in November 2005. Several improvement are also undergoing among many WRF developer groups.

The current WRF includes several different microphysics options such as Lin et al. (1983), Kessler, Ferrier, Thompson, WSM 5-class and NCEP 5–class microphysics schemes. We have implemented a microphysics scheme extracted from Goddard Cumulus Ensemble model (Tao et al. 2003) into WRF v2.1.1. We will perform a real case study for Hurricane Isabel (2003). Impact of different microphysics schemes on the intensification and eyewall evolution of the simulated Hurricane Isabel (2003) will be presented.