Abstract/Summary

Urban canopy models are essential tools in forecasting weather and air quality in cities. However, they require many surface parameters, which are uncertain and can reduce model performance if inappropriately prescribed. Here, we evaluate the model sensitivity of the Single-Layer Urban Canopy Model (SLUCM) in the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) to surface parameters in two different configurations, one coupled to the overlying atmosphere (on-line) in a 1D configuration and one without coupling (off-line). A 2-day summertime period in London is used as a case study, with clear skies and low wind speeds. Our sensitivity tests indicate that SLUCM reacts differently, when coupled to the atmosphere. For certain surface parameters, atmospheric feedback effects can outweigh the variations caused by surface parameter settings. Hence to fully understand model sensitivity atmospheric feedbacks should be considered.