Can sub-daily multivariate bias correction of regional climate model
boundary conditions improve simulation of the diurnal precipitation
cycle?
Abstract
The diurnal cycle is often poorly reproduced in global climate model
(GCM) simulations, particularly in terms of rainfall frequency and
amplitude. While improvements in the regional climate model (RCM) with
bias-corrected boundaries have been reported in previous studies, they
assumed that diurnal patterns are simulated correctly by the GCM,
potentially leading to inaccuracies in the maximum rainfall timing and
magnitude within the RCM domain. Here we provide the first examination
of improvements to the diurnal cycle, within a RCM domain, achieved
through the use of sophisticated bias-corrected lateral and lower
boundary conditions. Results show that the RCMs with bias-corrected
boundaries generally present improvement in capturing both rainfall
timing and magnitude, particularly in northern Australia, where a strong
diurnal pattern in rainfall is prevalent. We show that correcting
systematic sub-daily multivariate bias in RCM boundaries improves the
diurnal rainfall cycle, which is particularly important in regions where
short-term intense precipitation occurs.