RAMS is a atmospheric circulation simulation model developed by Colorado State University in the 1980's; it was originally created out of a merging of three separate atmosphere models. RAMS predicts atmospheric circulation and phenomena at a number of scales, from entire hemispheres to horizontal scales of around 2 km, and is used for a variety of applications such as weather forecasting and air quality regulatory applications (Cotton, 2003). The model is based off of dynamical equations which accurately represent atmospheric motion, and incorporates factors such as radiation, formation and interaction of clouds, soil and vegetation, surface water, and topography.
This toolbox entry has been labelled with the following tags:
| Sector: | climate | |
| Spatial scale: | independent | |
| Temporal focus: | independent | |
| Onset: | slow | |
| Role in decision process: | diagnostic | |
| Level of skills required: | high | |
| Data requirements: | high | |
| Adaptation tasks: | Potential impact projection |
As the model is not limited in spatial scale, it can be used to model and study small scale phenomena such as tornadoes, as well as such low level occurances as turbulent flow over buildings and in wind tunnels. At the same time, it is possible to model on much larger scales, up to the level of hemispheres. It has been used for numerous studies, which can be found in the references below, and has been coupled to other models to study ocean-atmosphere interactions, and can provide input data to impact models dealing with extreme precipitation and climate change.
The RAMS model is maintained by researchers at Colorado State, and does not appear to be available for outside use. For more information and contact details, see the website for the research group responsible for the model.
http://rams.atmos.colostate.edu/
W. R. Cotton, R. A. Pielke Sr., R. L. Walko, G. E. Liston, C. J. Tremback, H. Jiang, R. L. McAnelly, J. Y. Harrington, M. E. Nicholls, G. G. Carrio, and J. P. McFadden. 2003. RAMS 2001: Current status and future directions. Meteorol Atmos Phys 82, 5-29. http://rams.atmos.colostate.edu/
