Highly resolved WRF-BEP/BEM simulations over Barcelona urban area with LCZ

This study evaluates the performance of urban schemes integrated in Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) using Local Climate Zones (LCZ) as land use classification. We applied two multi-layer schemes: 1) Building Effect Parameterization (BEP) 2) Energy Model coupled with BEP (BEP + BEM), over Metropolitan Area Barcelona (MAB) at 1km2 horizontal resolution for July 2016. These simulations were compared observations a standard WRF simulation (BULK approach). Corine Land Cover 2012 provides background information entire domain, while LCZ covers MAB classifying cover into 10 classes according to morphology thermal properties. BULK scheme experiments present similar general error trend: overestimation relative humidity planetary boundary layer height underestimation temperature. Although has best correlation observations, this is highest value bias RMSE temperature humidity, particular during night/morning. On other hand, BEM performed minimum associated domain. shown be more sensitive than locations where grid differs real one, which common consequent limitation resolution. also suggests that depending on synoptic condition accuracy determining PBLH might change considerably.