Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/P019846/1
NCAS-NCAR WRF Courses
Training Grant Award
- Lead Supervisor:
- Dr LE Whitehouse, University of Leeds, School of Earth and Environment
- Grant held at:
- University of Leeds, School of Earth and Environment
- Science Area:
- Atmospheric
- Overall Classification:
- Atmospheric
- ENRIs:
- Environmental Risks and Hazards
- Global Change
- Science Topics:
- Boundary Layer Meteorology
- Weather prediction
- Regional & Extreme Weather
- Abstract:
- Summary NCAS work with the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) in the USA to provide expert tuition in the use of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) and MPAS-atmosphere models. The event will consist of: Four day tutorial providing training in use of the WRF model; One day workshop with speakers and experts sharing examples of their use of WRF; One day tutorial providing training in use of Data Assimilation using WRF. Rationale The training element of this course is very important for future development of skills required for climate, process studies and weather forecasting of extreme events, such as flooding and high winds (e.g. the Natural Hazard Partnership). Additionally it is important for teaching and providing a relevant easy platform by which students can learn the methodology and gain experience of using a sophisticated atmospheric numerical weather prediction model. Outside the UK Met Office, this course has been used by scientists and engineers to learn about NWP modelling. Previous courses also attracted attendees from insurance and private companies (e.g. RMS use WRF) The application of the techniques learnt also apply to evaluation and development of Earth System Sciences models, such as the Met Office Unified Model (NWP and HadGEM climate versions) and UK Chemistry and Aerosol (UKCA) model. The WRF model was developed by staff at NCAR and by using the association between NCAS and NCAR to provide expertise led training in use of the WRF and MPAS model, European users benefit from the highest quality training The strength of the relationship between NCAS and NCAR is a key factor in the provision of this training and without this there would be no training in the use of the WRF model available in Europe. Impact The NCAS-NCAR workshops are the only WRF training workshops provided in Europe. Previous workshops were held in Cambridge (2009), Edinburgh (2011), York (2013), Chester (2015). All were oversubscribed,and approximately 50% of the attendees were from UK universities/NERC research centres, 60% were from the UK and 90% from Europe. The demand for the courses means we expect to exceed the available provision; any unmet UK demand will require participants to travel to the US for their twice yearly course, which is much more expensive. Provision of this type of training increases the skills base of the UK WRF users community. This project has strong links with National Center for Atmospheric Research(NCAR). The modelling tool has the advantage of being able to develop data assimilation techniques that can be applied in future NWP (models). The use of large scale simulations is of interest to the reinsurance industry (WISER project) and Natural Hazard Partnership. There is direct involvement of EFAS (European Flood Awareness System) for use of o/p data to drive test versions of their European Flood Prediction Model. Previous courses also attracted attendees from insurance and private companies (e.g. RMS, Wind companies, software engineering). Usage of WRF is important for many companies as it represents one of the few models that is open access and available for commercial companies and end users who need to test and produce weather statistics that are not available from national weather organisations.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/P019846/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Doctoral Training
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Advanced Training
This training grant award has a total value of £60,000
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| Total - Other Costs |
|---|
| £60,000 |
If you need further help, please read the user guide.