Healey, W. (2011). B.Sc. (Hons) Dissertation. Evaluating the effect of two land surface models on various parameters modelled by the PRECIS regional climate model.

Supervisor: Dr N. Aquilina

Abstract

The Regional Climate Model PRECIS (Providing Regional Climates for Impacts Studies) had a recent updated version of its Land Surface Model (LSM) installed; named MOSES 2.2 (Met Office Surface Exchange Scheme). The LSMs are a crucial component of climate models in calculating the impact on the climate due to the surface. These models take into account radiation and moisture fluxes that have a direct bearing on certain parameters, such as surface temperature and evaporation respectively.

Sixty year simulations were run using the two PRECIS’s LSMs as well as setting different boundary conditions over Australia. Results from these simulations were compared with measured data from two data centres. The parameters taken into account for this study focus on the surface and soil levels. A temporal analysis for monthly, seasonal and annual time scales will be presented. The sensitivity of each LSM due to different boundary conditions was presented through a spatial analysis and Time series followed by a statistical analysis. This research identifies differences between the two LSMs, thereby evaluating this aspect of PRECIS.