WRF model sensitivity to choice of PBL and microphysics parameterization for an advection fog event at Barkachha, rural site in the Indo-Gangetic basin, India

The present study evaluates the performance of four planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameterization schemes combined with five cloud microphysics schemes in Weather Research Forecasting (WRF) model, specifically for an advection fog event occurred during 4–6 December 2014 at Barkachha, rural site in the Indo-Gangetic plain (IGP). For this purpose, the model was configured over the IGP with 2-km horizontal resolution, and results are compared with detailed micrometeorological data (surface meteorological parameters and fluxes, radiative fluxes, and surface layer wind profiles) gathered during the Cloud Aerosol Interaction and Precipitation Enhancement Experiment (CAIPEEX) Integrated Ground Observational Campaign (IGOC) site located in the IGP. The meteorological conditions conducive for the fog formation have been evaluated. All of the tested PBL-microphysics combination showed substantial bias for surface temperature, radiation fluxes, and wind speed. None of the combination found to be superior in predicting the fog event; however, the local MYNN2.5 combination with the WSM3, WSM6, and Lin microphysics obtained slightly better result at the study location. In general, judging from all simulations of liquid water content (as an indicator for the fog), the above combinations were able to simulate the current fog event but the fog onset, duration, and dissipation were particularly offset.