Microphysics in Goddard Multi-scale Modeling Systems: A Review

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 the 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 describe different microphysics schemes that are used in the Goddard multi-scale modeling system, the three major models of which are the Goddard Cumulus Ensemble (GCE), NASA-Unified Weather Research and Forecasting (NU-WRF), and Multi-scale Modeling Framework (MMF) models. The microphysics schemes are the Goddard three class ice (3ICE) and four class ice (4ICE), Morrison two moment (2M), Colorado State University Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS) 2M five class ice, and spectral bin microphysics schemes. The performance of these schemes is examined and compared with radar and satellite observations. In addition, the intercomparison of different microphysics schemes is conducted. Current and future observations needed for microphysics schemes evaluation as well as major characteristics of current microphysics are discussed.