PALM-meteo 2.8: Processor of PALM meteorological input data

Abstract

PALM is a versatile and modular microscale atmospheric modelling system. It supports offline nesting using pre-processed initial and boundary conditions provided via the dynamic driver file, along with other time-dependent input data, such as radiative forcing. PALM-meteo is a new modular tool for preparing PALM dynamic drivers using data from various mesoscale or global meteorological models as well as other sources, such as measurements. It is derived from an older tool, the WRF_interface, which provided dynamic drivers using WRF (Weather Research and Forecasting) model data. PALM-meteo significantly expands the scope of usable meteorological and chemical inputs for PALM (currently supporting WRF, ICON, Aladin, CAMx, and CAMS) and is readily extendable to additional data sources in the future. Its processing capabilities extend beyond simple conversion and interpolation, including vertical adaptation, mass balancing, wind damping, and other features. The applicability of this versatile tool has been demonstrated by several studies, including the validation of PALM model simulations and various scenario simulations, e.g., in Prague (Czech Republic), Bergen (Norway), Guelph (Canada), Milan and Bologna (Italy), Berlin and Leipzig (Germany), or Vienna (Austria).