Evaluation of surface wind using WRF in complex terrain: Atmospheric input data and grid spacing

This study evaluates a numerical weather prediction model as tool for wind resource assessment in complex terrain and how the simulations are affected by selection of initial boundary conditions various grid resolutions. Two global reanalyses, ERA-Interim ERA5, four resolutions, 27 km, 9 3 km 1 have been considered. The compared to hub-height measurements. ERA5 forced were found provide improved speed results. show clear improvements terms lower error when spacing is reduced from via km. From not further reduced. However, tend better reproduce mean features defined areas with higher speeds, providing useful information mapping terrain. • Evaluation WRF simulation coastal Norway. ERA-Interim. Higher resolution improves results until saturation point. highest do error. resolves jets wakes better, but accurately positioned.