Abstract: In this paper, several aspects of mesoscale atmospheric numerical simulation were summed up briefly. Firstly, MM5, RAMS and WRF were taking as the cases to introduce their dynamic framework, physical processes and applications. Furthermore, the characteristics of several current well-known mesoscale numerical models were compared. Secondly, cumulus parameterization schemes, planetary boundary layer parameterization schemes and land surface parameterization schemes were respectively discussed in detail. Cumulus parameterization schemes were divided into convective adjustment, large-scale water vapor flux convergence and mass flux, and their characteristics, advantages and disadvantages were summarized. Planetary boundary layer parameterization schemes were mainly consisted of the bulk planetary boundary layer parameterization scheme, high-resolution planetary boundary layer parameterization scheme and large eddy simulation. The development of land surface process parameterization, nonuniform land surface parameterization and currently major land surface models were discussed. The objective analysis methods and three main kinds of data assimilation methods were analyzed. Finally, some problems which are needed to study were pointed out, and the development of mesoscale atmospheric numerical simulation was prospected. It is hoped to synthetically analyze these issues so as to promote the application of  mesoscale atmospheric numerical simulation in the future.

Key words: natural disaster, mesoscale numerical simulation, cumulus, land surface process, parameterization