Verification of vertical temperature profiles in the COSMO and ICON models with available observational data

Abstract

This paper presents results of numerical estimates of vertical temperature profiles in the COSMO and ICON NWP models. Data from two vertical profilers, an MTP-5 microwave temperature profiler and a classic AVK-type radiosonde, are used for the estimates. Mean errors, correlation coefficients, and root-mean-square errors are calculated for different seasons. The simulation results are analysed depending on configurations of the horizontal resolution of the models and between the models. The estimates are plotted, and comparisons are made between the models using each of the measurement types: between different measurements for each model. The response to spatial variability in the measurements and model grid cells is assessed. Conclusions are formulated by comparing the quality of reproduction of the atmospheric boundary layer between the models and the model configurations. The findings provide useful information for the interpretation of modeling results by forecasters.