Workshop: Radiation in the next generation of weather forecast models

ECMWF | Reading | 21 - 24 May 2018

This workshop brought together experts to discuss and propose ways forward in modelling radiative transfer in current and future numerical weather prediction models (1-50 km resolution, forecast lead times from 1 day to 1 year). Topics included representing complex terrain (e.g. orography, urban areas and forests), faster and more accurate solvers, 3D radiative transfer, improving representation of the properties of clouds, aerosols and gases, observational evaluation of radiation schemes and radiation products, and pathways by which better treatment of radiative processes can improve predictive skill. The discussions at the workshop provided guidance to ECMWF on the priorities for radiation developments in the coming decade.

Presentations

Challenges for radiation in NWP models Robin Hogan (ECMWF)
Aerosols-cloud-radiation interactions Jim Haywood (Met Office)
Cloud macrophysical properties Maike Ahlgrimm (ECMWF)
The quest for consistent ice optical properties across the spectrum Anthony Baran (Met Office)
Representing spectroscopy and the solar spectrum in atmospheric models Eli Mlawer (Atmospheric and Environmental Research (AER))
Some issues in near-infrared radiative transfer Keith Shine (University of Reading)
Uncorrelated k-distribution models Jürgen Fischer (Free University Berlin)
Several issues for current radiation algorithms in climate models Jiangnan Li, (Canadian Centre for Climate Modelling and Analysis)
3D radiation in cloud resolving models Bernhard Mayer (Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich)
Balancing efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility in a radiation code for dynamical models Robert Pincus (University of Colorado)
Gauss-Legendre quadrature for computation of atmospheric radiative flux profiles Howard Barker (Environment and Climate Change Canada)
Radiation and orography in weather models Laura Rontu (Finnish Meteorological Institute)
Why do we need improved vegetation-radiation interactions in earth system models? Tristan Quaife (University of Reading)
Surface-radiation interactions in polar regions: challenges and future perspectives Roberta Pirazzini (Finnish Meteorological Institute)
Radiative transfer for extra-solar planets: bringing it down to Earth James Manners (Met Office)
Modelling non-LTE effects Manuel López-Puertas (IAA)
Evaluation of IFS surface radiation from the ground and satellite Thomas Haiden (ECMWF)
How airborne measurements may help to evaluate models? Manfred Wendisch (University of Leipzig)
Infrared radiance modelling and assimilation Marco Matricardi (ECMWF)
Solar radiance modelling and assimilation Leonhard Scheck (Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich)

Workshop report

Summary of working group discussions

Organizing committee

Robin Hogan, Alessio Bozzo, Mark Fielding, Richard Forbes, Thomas Haiden, Marco Matricardi.