Probing the ‘grey zone’ of NWP – is higher resolution always better?

Abstract

Steady progress in the development of computing technologies over the years has afforded scientists the opportunity to simulate the atmosphere with impeccable detail. Although the advantages of such increases in model resolution have been palpable, an unwanted obstacle has now emerged – a phenomenon known as the ‘grey zone’. This article presents a brief overview of the limitations the grey zone has come to present to modern weather modelling, as well as some of the latest techniques that researchers have developed in trying to adapt to these new issues.