6. One paragraph description of your model (e.g. abstract from report or
   paper);

The NCEP/OH/OSU CAPS model is a multi-layer soil model (2-4 soil layers 
typically) with an explicit seasonal cycle of vegetation, plus snowpack 
physics.  The prognostic state variables are soil moisture and temperature
in each soil layer, skin temperature, snowpack water, and canopy water.  
A single skin temperature is obtained from a single surface energy 
balance equation for the combined ground/vegetation/snowpack surface.
The evaporation in the energy balance is a combination of three
evaporation components: 1) direct from bare soil, 2) transpiration
through plant canopy, and 3) canopy water evaporation.  The weighting
of these three evaporation components is controlled by a specified 
monthly annual cycle of NDVI-based green vegetation fraction, derived 
by NOAA/NESDIS from AVHRR satellite data.  The vegetation resistance 
treatment is similar to that of Jarvis/Noilhan (e.g. in the French ISBA 
model).  The soil hydraulics is governed by Darcy's Law, including 
both a hydraulic conductivity and diffusivity, which vary with soil
moisture content.

50. Please provide references relevant to the model description and use.

Without snow component (see snow component later at bottom):

Chen, Fei, et al., 1996: Modeling of land surface evaporation by four 
schemes and comparison with FIFE observations. J. Geophysical Research,
Vol 101, No D3, 7251-7268.

Chen, Fei, Zavisa Janjic, Kenneth Mitchell, 1997: Impact of Atmospheric 
Surface-layer Parameterization in the new Land-surface Scheme of the 
NCEP Mesoscale Eta Model.  Accepted in Boundary-Layer Meteorology.

Betts, A., F. Chen, K. Mitchell, Z. Janjic, 1997: Assessment of the
land-surface and boundary-layer models in two operational versions
of the NCEP Eta model using FIFE data.  Accepted in Monthly Weather
Review.

Ismail, Y., J. Shuttleworth, J. Washburne, 1997: Evaluating the Eta
model derived data against observations. Submitted to Monthly Weather
Review.

With snow component: 

Ek, M., and L. Mahrt, 1991: OSU 1-D PBL Model User's Guide, 
A one-dimensional planetary boundary layer model with interactive soil 
layers and plant canopy.  Version 1.0.4. March 1991. Available from
Dept of Atmospheric Sciences, Oregon State University. 

Kenneth Mitchell (Kenneth.Mitchell@noaa.gov) (Ph: 301-763-8161, x7225)
Environmental Modeling Center
National Centers for Environmental Prediction
W/NP2, Room 204
4700 Silver Hill Road
Stop 9910
Washington DC 20233-9910 
     
     Co-developers (entire land-surface model):

     NCEP: Fei Chen (fchen@sun1.wwb.noaa.gov)
     NCEP: Hua-Lu Pan (wd23ph@sun1.wwb.noaa.gov) 
     OSU:  Michael Ek (ek@ats.orst.edu)
     OH:   Victor Koren (Victor.Koren@noaa.gov)
     OH:   Qingyun Duan (Qingyun.Duan@noaa.gov)
     OH:   John Schaake (John.Schaake@noaa.gov)