Evaluation of parameterization schemes in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model: A case study for the Kaiga nuclear power plant site

In this study, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model performance with various combinations of parameterization schemes is analyzed in predicting surface and upper air meteorology around the Kaiga nuclear power plant site. The case studies selected for simulation correspond to occurrences of annual maximum, minimum temperature and maximum wind speed in the years (2004-2007). Based on the collective performance of the various combinations of the schemes in reproducing observed winds, temperature and relative humidity at Kaiga site, the most suitable combination of parameterization schemes are identified. For temperature and relative humidity, the combination consisting of Asymmetric Convective Model (ACM2) as the Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) scheme, the Monin Obhukhov as the surface layer (SL) scheme and the 5 layer thermal diffusion model as the land surface model (LSM) is found to be better than other combinations whereas the combination consisting of Mellor Yamada Janjic (Eta) as the PBL scheme, Monin Obhukhov Janjic (Eta) as the SL scheme and Noah LSM performs reasonably well in reproducing the observed wind conditions. This indicates that the selection of parameterization schemes may depend on the intended application of the model for a given site.