Microphysics in Goddard Multi-Scale Modeling Systems

Advances in computing power allow atmospheric prediction and general circulation models to be run at progressively finer scales of resolution, using increasingly more sophisticated physical parameterizations. The representation of cloud microphysical processes is one of key components of these models. In addition, over the past decade both research and operational numerical weather prediction models have started using more complex microphysical schemes that were originally developed for high-resolution cloud-resolving models (CRMs). In the paper, we described different microphysics schemes that are used in Goddard Multi-scale Modeling System. There are three major models, Goddard Cumulus Ensemble (GCE), NASA Unified Weather Research Forecast (NU-WRF) and Multi-scale Modeling Framework (MMF) model, in this modeling system. The microphysics schemes are Goddard three class ice (3ICE) and four class (4ICE) scheme, Morrison two moments (2M) 3ICE, Colorado State University Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) 2M five class ice (5ICE) and spectral bin microphysics schemes. The performance of these schemes are examined and compared with radar and satellite observation. In addition, the inter-comparison with different microphysics schemes are conducted. Current and future observations needed for microphysics schemes evaluation as well as major characteristics of current microphysics are discussed.