Model Fundamentals, part of the Numerical Weather Prediction Professional Development Series and the "NWP Training Series: Effective Use of NWP in the Forecast Process", describes the components of an NWP model and how they fit into the forecast development process. It also explores why parameterization of many physical processes is necessary in NWP models.
The module covers background concepts and terminology necessary for learning from the other modules in this series on NWP.
Back in 2000, the subject matter expert for this module was Dr. Ralph Petersen of the National Centers for Environmental Prediction, Environmental Modeling Center (NCEP/EMC). Revisions to the module were made in 2009 by Drs. Bill Bua and Stephen Jascourt, from the NWP team at UCAR/COMET.
This introductory module presents the basic structure of an NWP model and/or Ensemble Forecast System (EFS). The student, when finished with this introduction, should be able to:
List the components of an NWP model or EFS.
Explain why some atmospheric processes need to be parameterized in NWP models.
List at least four processes that require parameterization in NWP models and EFS.
November 2020 - The lesson was updated to current internet standards (mp4/html5), with no changes to content.
July 2014: Version 2 of the NWP course is still valid throughout. The most recent data assimilation system used in NCEP models, the Hybrid-EnKF, is not included. This data assimilation system combines 3D-VAR and EnKF into a single system and gets advantages from both. More discussion of the Hybrid-EnKF system can be found in the GFS May 2012 "splash' announcement at http://www.meted.ucar.edu/nwp/pcu2/GFS_20120522_HybEnKF3DVAR.htm.
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