Regional climate processes, modeling and scenarios

Within this research focus, climate processes on regional scales are investigated using the COSMO-CLM regional climate model at resolutions ranging from 10 to 50 km. The work is integrated into and partly funded by several national and international initiatives (PRUDENCE, ENSEMBLES, NCCR Climate, CORDEX). The regional focus is on Central Europe and the Grea­ter Alpine Region. Our research includes model deve­lopment, validation and model intercomparison, climate pro­cess studies, as well as the generation and analysis of 21^st century climate change scenarios. Our research suggests that European climate change may imply changes in inter­annual variability. We also investigate the role of climate change upon the frequency and character of heatwaves, heavy precipitation events and hydrological conditions. Recent model developments include the formulation of a new vertical coordinate framework, the implementation of sophisticated ae­rosol and cloud microphysics, and a new convection parameterization.

Related projects:
NCCR climate project (P2.1): Intensification of the water cycle: Scenarios, processes and extremes (HyClim)
CORDEX
Climate change and heavy precipitation in the European Alps
Climate change and temperature extremes
Climate change and European snow cover
Elevation gradients of European climate change
Objective climate model calibration
Influence of aerosol processes on the European climate
Influence of climate change on the hydrology of the river Rhine
CCHydro
Klimaänderung und Wasserkraftnutzung (Climate change and hydropower)
Klimaänderung und Wasserkraftnutzung – Sektorielle Studie Wallis (Climate change and hydropower – Sectoral study Valais)