Alpine Model aLMo Operational since 2001:
aLMo domain Alpine Model aLMo Operational since 2001 Swiss version of COSMO LM
non-hydrostatic, fully compressible
Prognostic variables
pressure, 3 wind components, temperature, specific humidity, precipitation (snow, rain), cloud water, cloud ice
regular, 7km mesh size, 45 levels
385 x 325 x 45 gridpoints
3-hourly assimilation cycle (nudging)
2 daily 72h forecasts
98% reliability (i.e. 1 problem/month)
New aLMo/2 configuration In test, operational in 2008:
Own assimilation cycle
2 daily 72h forecast New aLMo/2 configuration In test, operational in 2008 4 daily updates Own assimilation cycle
8 daily 18h forecast
Slide4:
spectral/temporal white : snow
dark gray : clouds
light gray : snow-free land
black : sea spectral/temporal 24-hour period:
9-3-2004 12:00 UTC - 10-3-2004 12:00 UTC Snow cover map based on Meteosat 8 Eumetsat fellowship Improved spectral + new temporal classification snow map at 5-6 km resolution
Slide5:
Snow cover map based on Meteosat 8 Eumetsat fellowship Use also high resolution visible channel with temporal classification snow map at 1.5-2 km resolution
Composite snow map, March 10th, 2004, 07:00 - 12:00 UTC
Parameterization of topographic effects on radiation:
Parameterization of topographic effects on radiation
Analysis of slope effect on radiation fluxes at the earth’s surface
slope aspect, slope angle or slope inclination, sky view, shadowing Example: Surface temperature difference, 2004-12-11 00 UTC +12 Substantial impact at high resolution
Higher impact during winter time (sun elevation, snow conditions)
Secondary effects on cloud cover and thermal circulation induced