Generalizable Neural Downscaling of Earth System Model Wind Fields via Continuous Dynamics Modeling

Abstract:Accurate high-resolution wind field simulations are critical for resolving fine-scale atmospheric dynamics, yet the simulation of wind fields in Earth System Models (ESMs) remains limited by coarse spatial resolution and systematic biases. To address this, data-driven down scaling techniques have been widely used to enhance coarse-resolution ESM outputs. However, existing methods are typically tied to fixed discretizations, limiting generalization across models with different native resolutions. Here we formulate global near-surface wind downscaling as an operator-learning problem on continuous atmospheric state fields and develop a downscaling neural operator that maps coarse-scale fields to fine-scale counterparts across heterogeneous discretizations. The operator learning-based neural downscaling framework outperforms dominant baselines, recovers fine-scale physical structures, and generalizes to previously unseen ESMs and future climate scenarios without retraining, while preserving long-term wind projection trends. These findings establish a generalizable paradigm for high-resolution climate downscaling across diverse simulation outputs and future scenarios.

Atmospheric and Oceanic Physics (physics.ao-ph); Machine Learning (cs.LG)

arXiv:2610.03757 [physics.ao-ph]

(or arXiv:2610.03757v1 [physics.ao-ph] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2610.03757 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite

arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.

Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.

Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.