Benchmarking Simulated Precipitation in Earth System Models
Angeline G. Pendergrass, P. J. Gleckler, L. Ruby Leung, Christian Jakob
Abstract
Earth system models (ESMs) bridge observationally based and theoretical understanding of the Earth system. They are among the frequently used tools to study a variety of questions related to variability and changes in Earth’s climate. For many applications, ESMs must realistically simulate observed large-scale precipitation patterns and seasonal cycles that have a multitude of societal and national security implications. Despite steady improvement in the simulation of precipitation, model errors in many aspects of precipitation characteristics limit the use of ESMs both in understanding Earth system variability and change and for decision-making.
Topics & Concepts
BenchmarkingPrecipitationEarth system scienceEarth (classical element)Environmental scienceClimatologyMeteorologyGeologyComputer scienceEarth scienceGeographyBusinessOceanographyMathematicsMathematical physicsMarketingMeteorological Phenomena and SimulationsGeophysics and Gravity MeasurementsDistributed and Parallel Computing Systems