Sensitivity of numerical simulations of Hurricane Emily (2005) to cumulus and microphysical parameterizations in the WRF model

Sensitivity of numerical simulation of Hurricane Emily (2005) to cumulus and microphysical parameterization is investigated with an advanced research version of Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF ARW) model. Different cumulus parameterization and microphysical schemes were used in a series of numerical experiments to simulate Hurricane Emily (2005) in its early intensification period. Preliminary results indicate that the forecasted precipitation and storm structures are sensitive to the choices of cumulus and microphysical parameterizations. For instance, comparing with the Kain-Fritsch cumulus and Lin microphysics scheme, Betts-Miller-Janjic cumulus and Ferrier microphysical parameterization tend to produce stronger and localized precipitation in a relatively coarse resolution (~27km). Experiments are currently performed to further examine the dependence of this sensitivity on model resolution. In addition, sensitivity of intensity forecast of Hurricane Emily to the cloud microphysics and precipitation processes will be investigated to identify possible evidence of the role of these microphysics and precipitation processes on hurricane intensification. Results and preliminary conclusions will be presented at the conference.