Implementation of a TKE based turbulence scheme in the Operational HIRLAM Mesoscale Model

The High Resolution Limited Area Model (HIRLAM) is the operational forecasting model and research tool of seven western european countries (Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Ireland, The Netherlands and Spain). During 1999, the turbulence scheme proposed by Cuxart, Bougeault and Redelsperger for the Meso-Nh model has been chosen as the new reference scheme of HIRLAM. It is a TKE based formulation, with variable turbulent Prandtl and Schmidt numbers and uses the Bougeault-Lacarrere proposal for the closure of the mixing length.

The ability of such scheme within an operational forecasting model is shown. The three-dimensional structure of the TKE within the model domain will be explored.