High resolution climate models for mountain regions

The Mountain Research Initiative (MRI) and the World Climate Research Programme’s Climate and Cryosphere project propose to hold a joint workshop on high-resolution climate modelling in areas of complex mountain topography, where snow and ice commonly cover the land surface. This is the first activity of the WCRP’s CliC project on Impacts of Changes in the Mountain Cryosphere (IC-MONTC) which addresses scientific uncertainties associated with loss of the mountain cryosphere as anthropogenic climate change continues. Those engaged in the application and development of high-resolution climate models, applied to areas of complex mountainous terrain will be invited to participate. The goals of this workshop be held on high resolution (<3km) climate modelling of mountain regions where snow and ice cover is common, at least seasonally are: 1. to assess the current status of climate modeling applied to such areas of complex terrain 2. to identify what steps are needed to further develop and improve modelling, and 3. to identify observational gaps where further data are needed for model validation