Evaluation of aerosol optical depth for further assimilation into WRF-Chem simulations
Abstract
WRF-Chem is a powerful simulation tool for modeling atmospheric parameters and processes that influence solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface. By integrating aerosols and their interactions with radiation, WRF-Chem provides estimates of solar radiation reaching the surface that can be used as valuable information for solar energy forecasting. However, the prediction of solar radiation comes with high uncertainties related to the high variability of atmospheric components, especially aerosols in clear-sky conditions. In this contribution, the aerosol optical depth (AOD) parameter is used to represent the optical property of aerosols. AOD derived from WRF-Chem and a reanalysis model (CAMS) are evaluated in comparison to ground AOD data. The resulting analysis will server to correct the forecasted WRF-Chem AOD products and thus the prediction of solar radiation based on additional analysis of AOD data in a region with mostly cloudless conditions in general, but with the presence of aerosols and airborne desert dust throughout the year.