The Regional Climate Model system RegCM , originally developed
at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), is maintained in
the Earth System Physics (ESP) section of the ICTP. The first
version of the model, RegCM1, was developed in 1989 and since then
it has undergone major updates in 1993 (RegCM2), 1999 (RegCM2.5),
2006 (RegCM3) and most recently 2010 (RegCM4). The
latest version of the model, RegCM4, is now
fully supported by the ESP, while previous versions are no longer
available. This version includes major upgrades in the structure of
the code and its pre- and post- processors, along with the
inclusion of some new physics parameterizations. The model is
flexible, portable and easy to use. It can be applied to any region
of the World, with grid spacing of up to about 10 km (hydrostatic
limit), and for a wide range of studies, from process studies
to paleoclimate and future climate simulation.
Model improvements currently under way include the development of
a new microphysical cloud scheme (to be released by the end of
2014), coupling with a regional ocean model, inclusion of full
gas-phase chemistry, upgrades of some physics schemes
(convection, PBL, cloud microphysics) and development of a
non-hydrostatic dynamical core.
ESP also supports the Regional Climate Research Network, or
RegCNET. The objective of RegCNET is to expand and strengthen the
network of model users and to develop collaborative research
projects across the network to improve the understanding of climate
change at the regional scale. The RegCNET also provides a forum for
current and future model users to discuss relevant issues, exchange
research experiences and
formulate needs and priorities for further model development and dissemination