Learn How to Input SST into a WRF Simulation¶
Most meteorological input data includes an SST field; however, its resolution is typically coarse - either spacially and/or temporally. Therefore, it can be useful to include additional, higher-resolution, SST input. There are two methods to do this.
Use Additional SST Input at the Initial Time Only¶
For shorter simulations (up through about four days), it is not necessary to continue to update the SST field throughout the simulation duration because SSTs do not change that rapidly. However, if a higher-resolution SST field is available, that input can be used at the initial simulation time, as a constant field for all time periods.
Click the heading link above to learn how to use this method.
Use Additional SST Input to be Updated at Each Model Input Time¶
The WRF model physics do not predict sea-surface temperature, vegetation fraction, albedo or sea ice. For simulations spanning five or more days, it is recommended to use the sst_update model option, which provides an alternative to read-in the time-varying data and update these fields. In order to use this option, time-varying SST and sea ice fields are required, in addition to the standard meteorological input data. Twelve monthly values of vegetation fraction and albedo are available from the geogrid program. Once these fields are processed via WPS, the sst_update option can be activated in the &physics record within the namelist.input file (which is available in the /test/em_real directory).
Click the heading link above to leard how to use the sst_update option.