The Performance of RegCM4.7.1 over Georgia’s Territory Using Two Different Configurations

Abstract

This study utilised the Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics (ICTP) Regional Climate Model version 4.7.1, adopting two different configurations. The ability of each configuration to reproduce mean and extreme temperatures and precipitation in different environmental conditions in Georgia was studied. The model conducted simulations over the time frame of 2009-2014, with a horizontal grid spacing of 12 km. The simulations utilised ERA5 data as boundary conditions. Both simulations encompass the whole geographical area of Georgia, as well as the Black and Caspian Seas. The outputs from these high-resolution simulations of mean and extreme precipitation and air temperature were compared with the observational data for 2010-2014 for Georgia's territory. A comparison of existing weather station data with model data showed that the model with both configurations performed better in simulating the monthly mean and extreme values of temperature than those of precipitation. The biases between observed and simulated precipitation are high for both configurations as well. There is no significant difference between the two simulation results. However, it is also important to carry out further analysis and compare the results of these simulations not only with weather station data but also with different reanalysis data, which will allow us to perform not a point analysis but a spatial analysis over the entire area of the domain.