Topography output file?

[michael_p_erb@gmail_com]

Hi. Is there a CESM output file for topography? I saw the "topo" variable in the clm2 output, but it's equal to zero everywhere in my files. I would like to have topography at the same resolution as the atmospheric output? Is this outputted anywhere, or do I need to regrid the input topography file myself? Thanks!

 

[strandwg]

Hi. Is there a CESM output file for topography? I saw the "topo" variable in the clm2 output, but it's equal to zero everywhere in my files. I would like to have topography at the same resolution as the atmospheric output? Is this outputted anywhere, or do I need to regrid the input topography file myself? Thanks!

You can use the field "PHIS" (surface geopotential) and divide by "g" (~9.8 m s-2) to get gridcell height in meters.

 

[michael_p_erb@gmail_com]

Great, thanks Gary! Just so I'm clear, PHIS divided by "g" gives geopotential height rather than the geometric height, right? Also, a topographic map would show the geometric height, correct? Is there much difference between geopotential height and geometric height at the surface?

 

[strandwg]

Great, thanks Gary! Just so I'm clear, PHIS divided by "g" gives geopotential height rather than the geometric height, right? Also, a topographic map would show the geometric height, correct? Is there much difference between geopotential height and geometric height at the surface?

I'm not the best person to ask that.