The impact of different microphysical schemes on mesoscale circulations and convective system morphology in 4-10 km grid spacing WRF simulations

Since mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) are significant sources of summertime rainfall for agricultural areas of the Great Plains, it is important to predict these systems as accurately as possible. Over the last decade, there have been various efforts to improve MCS rainfall forecasts through improved initialization and the use of combinations of physical parameterizations, but accurate forecasts of these events are still elusive.

Advances in computer resources have made it possible to perform simulations with fine grid spacing (<10 km), allowing for at least partial resolution of some mesoscale circulations associated with the MCSs. The present study will determine the sensitivity of simulated mesoscale circulations and convective system morphology to the use of different microphysical schemes (Lin et al., Ferrier et al., Reisner, and NCEP 5-class) available in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. Grid spacings between 4 and 10 km will be explored. Observational data from the Bow Echo and Mesoscale Convective Vortex Experiment (BAMEX) will be used to assist the verification of the WRF runs.