Performance assessment of LARS-WG and SDSM downscaling models in simulation of precipitation and temperature

Throughout the present study, the results of two downscaling models (SDSM vs. LARS-WG) are compared, considering the error criteria in terms of daily rainfall, daily minimum and maximum temperatures within two research stations of Ravansar and Kermanshah. In either of the models, 1988-1961 and 1989-2001 periods were respectively considered for calibration and validation. The results indicated that in either of the calibration and validation periods, SDSM model benefits from a more appropriate performance than LARS-WG in the simulation of daily minimum vs. maximum temperatures at the two stations, whereas LARS-WG model presents a more acceptable performance than that in the simulation of daily rainfall. The results of downscaling indicate that Kermanshah and Ravansar stations will be faced with less precipitation under A2 scenario and HadCM3 model in 2020s and 2050s. Also, it is concluded that in both models, minimum and maximum temperatures increase in the next two decades under the A2 scenario in either one of the stations.