Differentiate between RCM and GCM on the

basis of components and grid points.

presented by,
Akarsha N A
FEN- 2020- 09- 003
GCM(Global Climate model)

GCM are mathematical frameworks that originally build on

fundamental equation of physics.
• Conservation of energy,mass,and momentum are exchanged.
RCM(Regional climate model)

It is also known as Dynamic downscaling ,they include many of

the same physical processes that make up a GCM.
• 20-30km resolution
Components of models.

• Radiation
• Dynamics
• Surface process
• Chemistry
• resolution
Major Difference Between GCM and RCM
GCM – It is a complex mathematical representation of the major
climate system components

RCM – A numerical climate prediction model forced by specified

lateral boundary conditions from a general circulation model
(GCM) .
 Complexity

GCM-less complexity
RCM-High complexity

 Resolution
GCM-low resolution(100km abv)
RCM-High resolution(20-30km)
 GCM-Having one way nesting technique(the information flow
from GCM large scaling driving condition to RCM)

RCM-Not vice-versa

 Grid points

GCM-Regular grids
(100km abv resolution)
RCM-Sub grids
(20-30km)
 Advantages and disadvantages

GCM-
• It can predict climate over longer time scales
• Operate wide range of scales
• Low resolution(dis)
• Computing time high
• Need high performance computers

RCM
• It used to simulate future climate with high resolution
• Provide better resolution of mountains,coastal areas etc.
• It also helps to calculate the local changes in
temp,wind,precepitation….
• Runs in server or work station
• Processing time low
• It seek to simulate particular geographical region ,not
globally(dis)
thank youu….