|
PSU/NCAR Mesoscale Model (MM5)
MM5 is The Pennsylvania State University/National Center for Atmospheric Research (PSU/NCAR) Mesoscale Model, Version 5. It is a very mature mesoscale forecast model, as it has been progressively developed and improved for nearly 20 years. It is still undergoing development today at universities, U.S. Government laboratories, and private companies worldwide. MM5 is a numerical weather prediction model, generally similar to the Eta, NGM, and other regional-scale models that you may have used. Like other meteorological models, MM5 is merely a tool; it is must be used with care - using appropriate meteorological data in conjunction, such as satellite data, surface observations, radar imagery, upper air soundings, and other applicable weather
data types. MM5 runs at finer resolutions than models you may be accustomed to using. Because of the increased resolution, output from MM5 will depict mesoscale features that you may not have seen in either global scale models (e.g., AVN and NOGAPS) or larger scale regional models (e.g., NGM and RWM).
Current features of MM5 include
(i) a multiple-nest capability
(ii)nonhydrostatic dynamics, which allows the model to be used at a few-kilometer
scale,
(iii) multitasking capability on shared- and distributed-memory
machines
(iv) a four-dimensional data-assimilation capability, and
(v)more physics options.
The model (known as MM5) is supported by several auxiliary programs,
which are referred to collectively as the MM5 modeling system.
NOTE: Part of this description was taken from the MM5 Web site (Copyright ©
UCAR 1998 ). Please follow the web link to the site for more information.
Go To MM5
UCAR Web site
|
