A Standardized Benchmarking Framework to Assess Downscaled Precipitation Simulations
Résumé
resently, there is no standardized framework or metrics identified to assess regional climate model precipi-
tation output. Because of this, it can be difficult to make a one-to-one comparison of their performance between regions or
studies, or against coarser-resolution global climate models. To address this, we introduce the first steps toward establishing
a dynamic, yet standardized, benchmarking framework that can be used to assess model skill in simulating various charac-
teristics of rainfall. Benchmarking differs from typical model evaluation in that it requires that performance expectations
are set a priori. This framework has innumerable applications to underpin scientific studies that assess model performance,
inform model development priorities, and aid stakeholder decision-making by providing a structured methodology to iden-
tify fit-for-purpose model simulations for climate risk assessments and adaptation strategies. While this framework can be
applied to regional climate model simulations at any spatial domain, we demonstrate its effectiveness over Australia using
high-resolution, 0.58 3 0.58 simulations from the CORDEX-Australasia ensemble. We provide recommendations for
selecting metrics and pragmatic benchmarking thresholds depending on the application of the framework. This includes a
top tier of minimum standard metrics to establish a minimum benchmarking standard for ongoing climate model assess-
ment. We present multiple applications of the framework using feedback received from potential user communities and en-
courage the scientific and user community to build on this framework by tailoring benchmarks and incorporating
additional metrics specific to their application.
Domaines
ClimatologieOrigine | Publication financée par une institution |
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