Question About WRF Output File Sizes in Different Versions

[Naser]

Dear all,

I have a question regarding the output file sizes of WRF version 3.9.1 compared with WRF version 4.x and later.

When I run simulations using WRF v3.9.1, the wrfout files for each domain have the same file size at every output time. However, when I use WRF v4.x or newer versions, the wrfout file sizes vary from one output time to another.

Could you please explain why this happens? I am just curious about the reason for this difference.

Thank you very much.

Best regards,

 

[Ming Chen]

Hi Naser,

I found the same phenomena in my WRFV4 output files. The file size differences depend on model physics as well well domain settings. This is normal and I don't think you need to worry for it.

As for the reason, I believe variations in the variables of wrfout files are responsible for the file size difference.

 

[Naser]

Dear Chen,

Thank you for your reply.

The reason for my question is that I wanted to compare WRF v3.9.1 with WRF v4.x and later versions. All of my model settings are identical, including the namelist configuration, physics schemes, chemistry options, dynamics, domain settings, and output frequency. Since everything is the same, I was curious why the wrfout file sizes differ between WRF v3.9.1 and the newer versions.

Thank you very much for your explanation.

Best regards,

Hi Naser,

I found the same phenomena in my WRFV4 output files. The file size differences depend on model physics as well well domain settings. This is normal and I don't think you need to worry for it.

As for the reason, I believe variations in the variables of wrfout files are responsible for the file size difference.

Naser

 

[Ming Chen]

Naser,

Can you look at variables included in wrfout files? It is possible that more variables are added to wrfout in newer version of WRF.