An approach to remote sensing and numerical modeling of orographic clouds and precipitation for climatic water resources assessment

State-of-the-art numerical models combined with new remote sensing technologies offer powerful means for determining the water budgets of cloud systems and addressing regional water resources issues. With specific examples from current technologies and a three-dimensional numerical model, this paper discusses the potential for accurately measuring and modeling the formation and fallout of mountain precipitation, a critical factor in the global climate system because it affects water resources. This paper describes application of the model and remote sensors to meet the goals of programs such as the Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment (GEWEX). To accurately predict precipitation, general circulation models that have 100-km grid spacing require parameterization of the effects of subgrid-scale processes within cloud systems. The contribution of scales of atmospheric motion 10–20 km in forming precipitation and determining its distribution on mountain ranges is demonstrated.