On- and off-line evaluation of the single-layer urban canopy model in London summertime conditions

Aristofanis Tsiringakis*, Gert Jan Steeneveld, Albert A.M. Holtslag, Simone Kotthaus, Sue Grimmond

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Urban canopy models are essential tools for forecasting weather and air quality in cities. However, they require many surface parameters, which are uncertain and can reduce model performance if inappropriately prescribed. Here, we evaluate the model sensitivity of the single-layer urban canopy model (SLUCM) in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to surface parameters in two different configurations, one coupled to the overlying atmosphere (on-line) in a 1D configuration and one without coupling (off-line). A two-day summertime period in London is used as a case study, with clear skies and low wind speeds. Our sensitivity tests indicate that the SLUCM reacts differently when coupled to the atmosphere. For certain surface parameters, atmospheric feedback effects can outweigh the variations caused by surface parameter settings. Hence, in order to fully understand the model sensitivity, atmospheric feedback should be considered.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1474-1489
JournalQuarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society
Volume145
Issue number721
Early online date18 Feb 2019
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2019

Keywords

  • boundary layer
  • land–atmosphere interactions
  • single-layer urban canopy model
  • surface energy balance
  • urban meteorology
  • Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model

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