Evaluation of the performance of the non-hydrostatic RegCM4 (RegCM4-NH) over Southeastern China

This study evaluates for the first time performance of latest version non-hydrostatic RegCM4 (RegCM4-NH) customized over two vast urban agglomerations in China (i.e., Pearl River Delta, PRD, and Yangtze YRD). A one-way double nesting configuration is used, with a mother domain (20 km grid spacing) driven by ERA-Interim data (0.75°) forcing nested domains (4 spacing). The analysis focuses on how dynamical core (hydrostatic versus non-hydrostatic) employed driving simulation can affect regional characteristics temperature precipitation patterns PRD YRD regions simulated 4 resolution RegCM4-NH. In addition, we assess sensitivity model results to use convective parameterization scheme (CPS), since size be considered as grey-zone at which deep convection partially resolved may still need parameterized. For mean temperature, reasonably good shown all simulations, summer season bias being mostly less than ± 1 °C when averaged YRD. However, daily distribution excessively peaked around median value, indicating large probability concentrated small range. Although higher slightly ameliorates this deficiency, effect CPS tends marginal. Conversely, behaves quite differently across simulations. from helps reduce severe dry seen due reduction inhibition. Also, Emanuel intensify localized events mountainous connection stronger ascending motions topographical features. also improves phase diurnal cycle precipitation, both without CPS. general, RegCM4-NH found best turning With growing demand high-resolution climate information, our evaluation will valuable reference facilitate wider model.