WRF grid structure
WRF grid structure
WRF uses an Arakawa C-grid staggering as depicted below.
The Mass Grid
Mass-related quantities such as pressure, temperature, humidity,
etc. are computed at the center of a grid cell, at points indicated by
"x". Collectively, these "x" points are referred to as the "mass
grid".
The U Grid
The u-component of the horizontal wind is computed at the center of
the left and right sides of a grid cell, at points indicated by the
green dash. Collectively, these points are referred to as the "U
grid". The U grid has the same number of points in the y direction as
the mass grid, and one more point in the x direction.
The V Grid
The v-component of the horizontal wind is computed at the center of
the top and bottom sides of a grid cell, at points indicated by the
red bar. Collectively, these points are referred to as the "V grid".
The V grid has the same number of points in the x direction as the
mass grid, and one more point in the y direction.
The Staggered Grid
The points defining the corners of the mass grid cells are indicated by the black
dots in the schematic. Collectively, these points are referred to as
the "staggered grid". The WRF staggered grid has one additional point
in each direction beyond the dimensions of the mass grid.
