What Is Parameterization?
A shortcut weather models use to represent things too small or complex to calculate directly, like individual clouds or turbulence. In technical terms: The representation of the net effect of unresolved subgrid-scale processes (e.g., convection, microphysics, radiation, boundary-layer turbulence) in terms of resolved variables; convective parameterization is generally turned off at grid spacings near 4 km or less.
Also called: Physics Scheme, Parameterization Scheme
Parameterization In Plain English
A shortcut weather models use to represent things too small or complex to calculate directly, like individual clouds or turbulence.
The Technical Definition
The representation of the net effect of unresolved subgrid-scale processes (e.g., convection, microphysics, radiation, boundary-layer turbulence) in terms of resolved variables; convective parameterization is generally turned off at grid spacings near 4 km or less.
Lessons That Use Parameterization
- How Computer Forecast Models Work Unit 14: Forecast Models
- HRRR, NAM, GFS And ECMWF Unit 14: Forecast Models
- Ensembles And Forecast Uncertainty Unit 14: Forecast Models
