Recent progress in atmospheric modeling over the Andes – part II: projected changes and modeling challenges

Abstract

In the Andes, the complex topography and unique latitudinal extension of the cordillera are responsible for a wide diversity of climate gradients and contrasts. Part I of this series reviews the current modeling efforts in simulating key atmospheric-orographic processes for the weather and climate of the Andean region. Building on this foundation, Part II focuses on global and regional climate models challenging task of correctly simulating changes in surface-atmosphere interactions and hydroclimate processes to provide reliable future projections of hydroclimatic trajectories in the Andes Cordillera. We provide a review of recent advances in atmospheric modeling to identify and produce reliable hydroclimate information in the Andes. In particular, we summarize the most recent modeling research on projected changes by the end of the 21st century in terms of temperature and precipitation over the Andes, the mountain elevation-dependent warming signal, and land cover changes. Recent improvements made in atmospheric kilometer-scale model configurations (e.g., resolution, parameterizations and surface forcing data) are briefly reviewed, highlighting their impact on modeling results in the Andes for precipitation, atmospheric and surface-atmosphere interaction processes, as mentioned in recent studies. Finally, we discuss the challenges and perspectives of climate modeling, with a focus on the hydroclimate of the Andes.