Large-Eddy Simulation over Complex Terrain Using an Improved Immersed Boundary Method in the Weather Research and Forecasting Model

Abstract

Abstract The Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model is increasingly being used for higher-resolution atmospheric simulations over complex terrain. With increased resolution, resolved terrain slopes become steeper, and the native terrain-following coordinates used in WRF result in numerical errors and instability. The immersed boundary method (IBM) uses a nonconformal grid with the terrain surface represented through interpolated forcing terms. Lundquist et al.’s WRF-IBM implementation eliminates the limitations of WRF’s terrain-following coordinate and was previously validated with a no-slip boundary condition for urban simulations and idealized terrain. This paper describes the implementation of a log-law boundary condition into WRF-IBM to extend its applicability to general atmospheric complex terrain simulations. The implementation of the improved WRF-IBM boundary condition is validated for neutral flow over flat terrain and the complex terrain cases of Askervein Hill, Scotland, and Bolund Hill, Denmark. First, comparisons are made to similarity theory and standard WRF results for the flat terrain case. Then, simulations of flow over the moderately sloped Askervein Hill are used to demonstrate agreement between the IBM and terrain-following WRF results, as well as agreement with observations. Finally, Bolund Hill simulations show that WRF-IBM can handle steep topography (standard WRF fails) and compares well to observations. Overall, the new WRF-IBM boundary condition shows improved performance, though the leeside representation of the flow can be potentially further improved.