4.5    Effects of the Great Salt LakeÕs Temperature and Size on      Regional Precipitation in the WRF Model

Grim, Joseph A.,  J. C. Knievel, and H. H. Fisher, National Center for Atmospheric Research

The skin temperature of the Great Salt Lake in northern Utah can change dramatically in just a few days, and the lakeÕs area and salinity can change dramatically in just a few years.  This study explores how such changes can affect regional precipitation in the WRF Model.  The lakeÕs skin temperature is represented using data from NASAÕs MODIS instrument.  The lakeÕs size is represented using topographic and bathymetric data, in combination with real-time measurements of lake surface elevation.  Results from one or two initial cases will be discussed, as will possible implications under a changing climate.