Implementation and Evaluation of the NOAA Next Generation Global Prediction System with FV3 Dynamical Core and Advanced Physics

The NOAA NWS Research to Operations (R2O) initiative mandates the upgrade of the current operational Global Forecast System (GFS) to the Next Generation Global Prediction System (NGGPS) within the NOAA Environmental Modeling System (NEMS) infrastructure. The GFDL Finite­ Volume Cubed-Sphere Dynamical Core (FV3) has been chosen as the NGGPS dynamical core. Model physics will also be upgraded to more advanced techniques. NCEP EMC is currently working towards the implementation of FV3 into the NEMS GFS system and the development of advanced physics suites. This presentation describes the testing and evaluation process of the new dynamical core in NEMS GFS and the configuration of various components for the next operational implementation based on performance and computational efficiency. Preliminary results from benchmark tests and fully cycled experiments with data assimilation will be presented.