Using Mesoscale Atmospheric Models for Glacio-Hydrological Studies at the Catchment Scale: Examples from High Asia and Perspectives for Future Applications

Abstract:

In recent years, a new method has been developed to address the lack of in situ observations in remote, high-altitude glaciated catchments. With increases in computational resources and improvements in mesoscale atmospheric models, a small number of studies have shown that it is possible to simulate meteorological variables with sufficient spatial and temporal resolution for use as direct forcing for glacio-hydrological models at the catchment scale. Based on the application of this method for atmospheric, glaciological and hydrological studies in High-Asian catchments, we present recommendations for key areas of uncertainty in the atmospheric modelling strategy. We also identify a number of future research priorities based on several open questions related to model resolution, feedbacks in the model chain, and quantifying uncertainty where observations are absent.