The Earth System Research Laboratory (ESRL) has developed a new global atmospheric model, called FIM (Flow-following finite-volume icosahedral Model). FIM is a strong candidate to become the basis of additional ensemble members in the North American Ensemble Forecast System, running operationally at the National Centers for Environmental Prediction. This model is being coupled to a complementary well-tested ocean forecast model (HYCOM) recast into an icosahedral grid framework identical to that of the atmospheric model. This design considerably simplifies the flux coupling procedure between atmosphere and ocean.

The FIM model is being used or is planned to be used by ESRL for a variety of applications, including tropical cyclone genesis, track and intensity prediction as part of the NOAA Hurricane Forecast Improvement Project, development and testing of parameterizations for subgrid physical processes, studies of long-range pollution and particulate transport (including volcanic ash), and chemistry using inline chemistry that permits mutual interaction between the chemistry and the meteorology. Having a coupled atmosphere-ocean version of FIM will make possible a variety of other studies, including the prediction of planetary wave transitions and upper tropospheric blocking in which coupling between atmosphere and ocean may play a signficant role.

Opportunities exist to contribute to all aspects of FIM development, including the dynamical core of both atmosphere and ocean and parameterizations of physical processes, as well as to engage in studies of atmospheric and coupled atmospheric-oceanic processes using FIM.

 

key words

Numerical weather prediction; Numerical model; Ensemble prediction; Icosahedral grid; Ocean forecast model; Parameterization; Air chemistry; Long-range transport; Tropical cyclones; Coupled atmosphere-ocean studies;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents and non-U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral and Senior applicants