The Climate-Weather Research and Forecasting (CWRF) is the climate extension of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model, incorporating all WRF functionalities for numerical weather predictions while enhancing the capability for climate applications. This report focuses on the construction and implementation of surface boundary conditions (SBCs) specifically designed for CWRF mesoscale modeling applications. The primary SBCs include surface topography (mean elevation, slope, curvature, and their standard deviations); bedrock, lakebed, or seafloor depth; soil sand, and clay fraction profiles; surface albedo localization factor; bottom soil temperature; surface characteristic identification; land cover category; fractional vegetation cover; leaf and stem area index; sea surface temperature, salinity, and current; and sea temperature and salinity profiles. They are currently presented in a CWRF domain suitable for the U.S applications at 30-kilometer spacing. The raw data sources and processing procedures, however, are elaborated in detail, by which the SBCs can be readily constructed for any specific CWRF domain anywhere in the world. For a specific field, alternative data sources, if available, were compared to quantify uncertainties and suggest the choice or improvement.
This periodical is designed to provide fiscal information of general interest and in compliance with state statutes. This issue of Fiscal Focus reviews the status of the states five retirement systems that support the pensions for retired teachers, university employees and state employees (including judges and legislators). Articles include: Illinois State Pension Needs Put Pressure on the State Budget; Pension Bonds: A Closer Look; Illinois Public Retirement Systems Funding Lags Other States; Operating Costs of State Government; Fiscal Year 2004 Fee Imposition Report Issued; Fiscal Position Deteriorates Despite Improving Economic Revenues; Cost of Living Adjustment vs. Inflation; and 2004 Tables for October, November and December.