Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3401
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2024-3401
19 Nov 2024
 | 19 Nov 2024
Status: this preprint is open for discussion.

Atmospheric moisture tracking with WAM2layers v3

Peter Kalverla, Imme Benedict, Chris Weijenborg, and Ruud J. van der Ent

Abstract. This manuscript documents the atmospheric moisture tracking model WAM2layers v3 (Water Accounting Model – 2 layers – version 3). WAM2layers may be used to gain understanding of atmospheric dynamics and to study rainfall patterns and extremes by mapping their sources or sinks, often in the context of climate and land-use changes. To this end, WAM2layers solves a prognostic equation for tagged moisture in gridded atmospheric datasets such as reanalysis data or climate model output. WAM2layers can be used in forward mode to determine where evaporated water eventually precipitates, or in backward mode to determine where precipitation originally evaporated.

WAM2layers v3 represents a complete rewrite of the WAM2layers model originally introduced in 2010 and subsequently used in more than sixty academic studies. This latest version incorporates performance optimisations to cope with the increased resolution of input data, and introduces various best practices aimed at improved user-friendliness and software sustainability. Since an increasing number of researchers is using the code, this manuscript is intended as an updated description and reference in the academic literature. After describing the history, model formulation, and numerical implementation, we present and evaluate two example cases to illustrate the use and skill of WAM2layers v3. We then discuss best practices, some important assumptions, and directions for future development.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this preprint. The responsibility to include appropriate place names lies with the authors.
Peter Kalverla, Imme Benedict, Chris Weijenborg, and Ruud J. van der Ent

Status: open (until 17 Jan 2025)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2024-3401', Anonymous Referee #1, 14 Dec 2024 reply
Peter Kalverla, Imme Benedict, Chris Weijenborg, and Ruud J. van der Ent

Data sets

ERA5 data West Europe 2021 July for WAM2layers I. Benedict and C. Weijenborg https://doi.org/10.4121/f9572240-f179-4338-9e1b-82c5598529e2.v1

ERA5 data West Africa 1998 July and August for WAM2layers T. Gaasbeek and R. J. Van der Ent https://doi.org/10.4121/bbe10a2a-39dc-4098-a69f-0f677d06ecdd.v2

Model code and software

WAM2layers R. J. Van der Ent et al. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7010594

Interactive computing environment

WAM2layers R. J. Van der Ent et al. https://github.com/WAM2layers/WAM2layers

Peter Kalverla, Imme Benedict, Chris Weijenborg, and Ruud J. van der Ent

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Short summary
We introduce a new version of WAM2layers, a computer program that tracks how the weather brings water from one place to another. It uses data from weather and climate models, whose resolution is steadily increasing. Processing the latest data became a challenge, and the updates presented here ensure that WAM2layers runs smoothly again. We also made it easier to use the program and to understand its source code. This makes it more transparent and reliable, and easier to maintain.