Abstract
Abstract Radiative frost is one of the most severe weather conditions that affects agricultural activities in many parts of the world. Since various protective methods to reduce frost impact are available, refinements of frost forecasting methodologies should provide economical benefits. In the present study, a three-dimensional numerical local-scale model for the simulation of the microclimate near the ground surface of nonhomogeneous regions during radiative frost events was developed. The model is based on the equations of motion, heat, humidity and continuity in the atmosphere and the equations of heat and moisture diffusion in the soil. Emphasis was given in establishing a refined formulation of energy budget equations for soil surface and plant canopy Additionally, an improved finite difference scheme procedure for approximating horizontal derivatives in a terrain-following coordinate system was introduced. The sensitivity of the model to various parameters that way affect the nocturnal minimum temp...