The Use of Weather Research and Forecasting Model to Predict Rainfall in Tropical Peatland: 1. Model Parameterization

Abstract

Rainfall dynamics play a vital role in tropical peatland by providing sufficient water to keep peat moist throughout the year. Therefore, information of rainfall data either historical or forecasting data has risen in recent decades especially for an alert system of fire. Here the Weather and Research Forecasting (WRF) model may act as a tool to provide forecasting weather data. This study aims to do parameterization on WRF parameters for peatland in Sumatra, and to perform bias correction on the WRF’s rainfall output with observed data. We performed stepwise calibration to choose the best five physical schemes of WRF for use in the study area. The output WRF’s rainfall was bias corrected by spatially observed rainfall data for 2019 at day resolution. Our results showed the following schemes namely (i) Eta scheme for cloud microphysical parameters; (ii) GD scheme for cumulus cloud parameters, (iii) MYJ scheme for planetary boundary layer parameters; (iv) RRTM for longwave radiation; and (v) New Goddard schemes for shortwave radiation are best combination for being used to predict rainfall in maritime continent. The spatially interpolated observed rainfall with the Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW) was outperformed for calibration process of WRF’s rainfall as shown by statistical indicators used in this study. Further, the findings have contributed to advance knowledge of rainfall forecasting in maritime continent, particularly in providing data to support the development of fire danger rating system for Indonesian peatland.