Introducing CRYOWRF v1.0: multiscale atmospheric flow simulations with advanced snow cover modelling

Abstract

Abstract. Accurately simulating snow cover dynamics and the snow–atmosphere coupling is of major importance for topics as wide-ranging as water resources, natural hazards, and climate change impacts with consequences for sea level rise. We present a new modelling framework for atmospheric flow simulations for cryospheric regions called CRYOWRF. CRYOWRF couples the state-of-the-art and widely used atmospheric model WRF (the Weather Research and Forecasting model) with the detailed snow cover model SNOWPACK. CRYOWRF makes it feasible to simulate the dynamics of a large number of snow layers governed by grain-scale prognostic variables with online coupling to the atmosphere for multiscale simulations from the synoptic to the turbulent scales. Additionally, a new blowing snow scheme is introduced in CRYOWRF and is discussed in detail. CRYOWRF's technical design goals and model capabilities are described, and the performance costs are shown to compare favourably with existing land surface schemes. Three case studies showcasing envisaged use cases for CRYOWRF for polar ice sheets and alpine snowpacks are provided to equip potential users with templates for their research. Finally, the future roadmap for CRYOWRF's development and usage is discussed.