Using the WRF-ARW Model to Visualize and Predict Atmospheric Parameters During an Eclipse

Abstract:

Although the Advanced Research Weather Research and Forecast (WRF-ARW) model is well known and commonly used, the WRF-ARW Eclipse version has been relatively underutilized for atmospheric conditions with reduced solar irradiance. The goal of this research is to produce visualizations of atmospheric parameters to demonstrate changes induced by the eclipse such as in surface temperature, planetary boundary layer heights, lapse rates, etc. Comparisons can then be done between surface weather station data, balloon-borne radiosonde data, and the eclipse WRF-ARW model. Previous studies have shown good agreement between model and observations although such studies have been limited. The WRF-ARW model shows promise in its ability to adapt to short-term departures from the mean atmospheric background. This eclipse research serves as a case study to other more commonly-occurring atmospheric phenomena that obscure the sun such as pollution, dust storms, smoke, and volcanic eruptions.