Abstract:
In this study, eight cloud microphysics parameterization schemes (schemes Kessler, Lin, WSM3, WSM5, Eta, WSM6, WDM5, and WDM6) in the weather research and forecasting (WRF) model were used to simulate a rainstorm that occurred over South China during May 6-7, 2010, to study the effects of the cloud microphysics parameterization schemes on the simulation ability of the rainstorm. A comparison of the experimental results with the observation revealed an overall agreement in the simulation skills of various cloud microphysical schemes to various precipitation scales. The WSM3 schemes performed best for light to heavy rainfall and downpours. For simulating the rainstorm, however, WDM5 performed best, and WSM3 performed worst. According to the analysis results of threat score (TS) and error, the WSM5 scheme performed best, and the Lin scheme was worst. One parameterization scheme showed a small difference among various resolutions and a large difference in the simulation ability of the rainstorm among various microphysics parameterization schemes, which suggests that cloud microphysics parameterization schemes are more effective than resolution for simulating heavy rain.