Model names for different WRF configurations in CORDEX

[jesusff]

In preparation for the upcoming CORDEX-CMIP6 simulations, I summarize here the WRF model naming used up to now in CORDEX, with links to some resources.

Back in 2012, we coordinated across several domains a naming convention using a capital letter after the model version (without dots), e.g. WRF331A. These different model names are an indication for the user, and they highlight that something is different in those model simulations. They differ at least in the physical parameterizations used, which can lead to large differences among simulations (Katragkou et al., 2015; Di Virgilio et al., 2019). In this scheme,
labels did not reset with the model version. Letters were used sequentially regardless of the model version. The idea was that one could, in principle, change model version (benefiting from bug fixes) but still use the same configuration. An outdated collection of this naming scheme and corresponding configuration can be found here.

In the end, for CMIP5, there was a variety of names on ESGF for different WRF configurations in different domains. See e.g. the models registered at https://is-enes-data.github.io/CORDEX_RCMs_ToU.txt or even some not registered, but finally providing scenario runs on ESGF here. The latter is the most up-to-date description of what a given WRF model name in CORDEX means in terms of model configuration.

The plan for CORDEX-CMIP6 on continental domains is to try to recover the one-letter convention, continuing from the last one registered in CORDEX-CMIP5 (letter P).

[jesusff]

For reference, the existing (registered and/or ESGF published) WRF model names in CORDEX up to now are:

     CRP-GL-WRF331A      
       MIUB-WRF331A        
       BCCR-WRF331C        
         UM-WRF331           
       IPSL-WRF311         
        IDL-WRF350D         
       NUIM-WRF341E        
IPSL-INERIS-WRF331F 
IPSL-INERIS-WRF361F 
       UCAN-WRF331G        
       NCAR-WRF (v3-5-1)
        CYI-WRF351
       UHOH-WRF361H        
       BCCR-WRF361         
        PNU-WRF370          
       UCAN-WRF341I        
       UNSW-WRF360J        
       UNSW-WRF360K        
       UNSW-WRF360L        
         MU-WRF360M          
    AUTH-MC-WRF371M     
       WEGC-WRF371O        
       IPSL-WRF381P
    CRC-BGS-WRF381 

In the context of other CORDEX initiatives, such as FPS's, there could be other naming schemes. For example, double letters starting with A, B, C, and D were used in CORDEX FPS-CONV. See here. These show up on ESGF as well.