Numerical Simulation of the Orographically Induced Precipitation Distribution for Use in Hydrologic Analysis

A fine-mesh mesoscale numerical model is used to simulate the orographic precipitation process for the purpose of improving estimates of the spatial distribution of precipitation in mountainous areas. Results from integrations of a quasi-two-dimensional version of the model suggest that the orographic precipitation process can be simulated with sufficient accuracy to justify the use of fine-mesh numerical models to aid in the determination of the spatial distribution of precipitation in mountainous areas where orographic influences are dominant.