Abstract:Using regional climate model RegCM3 and the NCEP/DOE reanalysis data, regional climate change over the Shandong region during 1985—2000 was simulated at a high resolution of 20 km. Comparison of the model results with high-density observation data over the Shandong region indicated that the model is capable of climate simulation for this region. The RegCM3 reasonably simulated major circulation at middle or high levels over Shandong, while the simulated circulation and temperature were consistent compared to the NCEP/DOE reanalysis data. The model successfully simulated summer regional climate during 16 years, which showed a decreasing north-south precipitation gradient and an increasing east-west gradient for surface temperature over Shandong. Also, the model reproduced the extreme events, including intensive summer rainfall during 1990 and 1998 and summer droughts during 1992 and 1999. Summer climate variability was well simulated by the RegCM3 during the 16 a over Shandong, where the precipitation variability exhibited a decreasing trend from the southwest to the northeast and surface temperature increased from the west to the east. The results showed the usefulness of high-resolution climate simulation using the RegCM3 over Shandong.