WCRP GEWEX GMPP GCSS PCS

• [28/08/09] I was not able to recover the recent web pages after the server crash, so I have rationalised these pages
• [28/08/09] Keep up-to-date on the joint ARM-GCSS cloud meeting (29 September - 1 October, 2009) on the ARM Cloud modelling meeting web page.
• [28/08/09]I have updated the intercomparison page.
• Archive of news

• Intercomparisons: a link to all current and past intercomparison pages
• Meetings: past meeting links. Upcoming meetings will be linked in the News section.
• Contacts: instructions on how to (un)subscribe to our maillist and other contact details
• ARM Cloud Modelling WG: we often collaborate closely with this WG.

The goal of the GCSS Precipitating Cloud Systems working group (PCS - formally DWG and WG4) is to improve the parametrization of precipitating cloud systems in global climate models (GCMs) and numerical weather prediction (NWP) models through an improved physical understanding of cloud system processes. The main tools of the GCSS PCS WG are:

• cloud-resolving models (CRMs)-- numerical model that resolve some cloud-scale (and mesoscale) circulations in either two or three spatial dimensions
• NWP and climate models -- see the Met Office information on NWP and climate models
• single column models (SCMs) -- single column versions of NWP and climate models (see the SCM Page at CSU)
• limited area models (LAMs) -- higer resolution models (often similar to CRMs) nested within NWP or climate models
• Observational data campaigns -- often archived at the GCSS Dime site

The PCS WG organizes model intercomparison projects. The results from these intercomparisons are presented at annual meetings and in publications. The result provide a good foundation for groups to improve parametrizations in large scale models and also their process models (e.g. CRMs). The model intercomparison activities are led by memebers of the PCS WG. The 2002 WG4 report was compiled by Wojtek Grabowski and described the work of the GCSS WG4 at that time in some detail.