Identification

Title

Coupling cloud processes with the large-scale dynamics using the Cloud-Resolving Convection Parameterization (CRCP)

Abstract

A formal approach is presented to couple small-scale processes associated with atmospheric moist convection with the large-scale dynamics. The approach involves applying a two-dimensional cloud-resolving model in each column of a three-dimensional large-scale model. In the spirit of classical convection parameterization, which assumes scale separation between convection and the large-scale flow, the cloud-resolving models from neighboring columns interact only through the large-scale dynamics. This approach is referred to as Cloud-Resolving Convection Parameterization (CRCP). In short, CRCP involves many two-dimensional cloud-resolving models interacting in a manner consistent with the large-scale dynamics. The approach is first applied to the idealized problem of a convective-radiative equilibrium of a two-dimensional nonrotating atmosphere in the presence of SST gradients. This simple dynamical setup allows comparison of CRCP simulations with the cloud-resolving model results. In these tests, the large-scale model has various horizontal grid spacings, from 20 to 500 km, and the CRCP domains change correspondingly. Comparison between CRCP and cloud-resolving simulations shows that the large-scale features, such as the mean temperature and moisture profiles and the large-scale flow, are reasonably well represented in CRCP simulations. However, the interaction between ascending and descending branches through the gravity wave mechanism, as well as organization of convection into mesoscale convective systems, are poorly captured. These results illustrate the limitations of not only CRCP, but also convection parameterization in general. The CRCP approach is also applied to the idealized problem of a rotating constant-SST aquaplanet in convective-radiative equilibrium. The global CRCP simulation features pronounced large-scale organization of convection within the equatorial waveguide. A prominent solitary equatorial "super cloud cluster" develops toward the end of the 80-day long simulation, which bears a strong resemblance to the Madden-Julian oscillation observed in the terrestrial Tropics.

Resource type

document

Resource locator

Unique resource identifier

code

http://n2t.net/ark:/85065/d7vd700p

codeSpace

Dataset language

eng

Spatial reference system

code identifying the spatial reference system

Classification of spatial data and services

Topic category

geoscientificInformation

Keywords

Keyword set

keyword value

Text

originating controlled vocabulary

title

Resource Type

reference date

date type

publication

effective date

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Geographic location

West bounding longitude

East bounding longitude

North bounding latitude

South bounding latitude

Temporal reference

Temporal extent

Begin position

End position

Dataset reference date

date type

publication

effective date

2001-05-01T00:00:00Z

Frequency of update

Quality and validity

Lineage

Conformity

Data format

name of format

version of format

Constraints related to access and use

Constraint set

Use constraints

Copyright 2001 American Meteorological Society (AMS). Permission to use figures, tables, and brief excerpts from this work in scientific and educational works is hereby granted provided that the source is acknowledged. Any use of material in this work that is determined to be "fair use" under Section 107 of the U.S. Copyright Act or that satisfies the conditions specified in Section 108 of the U.S. Copyright Act (17 USC §108, as revised by P.L. 94-553) does not require the AMS's permission. Republication, systematic reproduction, posting in electronic form on servers, or other uses of this material, except as exempted by the above statement, requires written permission or a license form the AMS. Additional details are provided in the AMS Copyright Policy, available on the AMS Web site located at (http://www.ametsoc.org/AMS) or from the AMS at 617-227-2425 or copyright@ametsoc.org.

Limitations on public access

None

Responsible organisations

Responsible party

contact position

OpenSky Support

organisation name

UCAR/NCAR - Library

full postal address

PO Box 3000

Boulder

80307-3000

email address

opensky@ucar.edu

web address

http://opensky.ucar.edu/

name: homepage

responsible party role

pointOfContact

Metadata on metadata

Metadata point of contact