Identification

Title

MJO-like coherent structures: Sensitivity simulations using the Cloud-Resolving Convection Parameterization (CRCP)

Abstract

Interaction between equatorially trapped disturbances and tropical convection is investigated using a nonhydrostatic global model that applies the cloud-resolving convection parameterization (CRCP). The CRCP represents subgrid scales of the global model by embedding a 2D cloud-resolving model in each column of the global model. The modeling setup is a constant-SST aquaplanet, with the size and rotation of earth, in radiative-convective quasi equilibrium. The global atmosphere is assumed to be initially at rest. No large-scale organization of convection is present outside the equatorial waveguide. Inside the waveguide, on the other hand, the model simulates spontaneous formation of coherent structures with deep convection on the leading edge and strong surface westerly winds to the west, the westerly wind bursts. These coherent structures resemble the Madden-Julian oscillation (MJO) observed in the terrestrial Tropics and are present in simulations applying prescribed and interactive radiation, and increased horizontal resolution of the global model. The MJO-like structures are essential for the development of the mean westerly flow, the superrotation, within the equatorial waveguide. Sensitivity simulations suggest that the coupling among deep convection, free-tropospheric moisture, and the large-scale flow is essential for coherence of the MJO-like structures. When large-scale fluctuations of convectively generated free-tropospheric moisture are removed on a timescale of a few hours, the coherent structures do not develop and, if already present, these structures disintegrate rapidly. It follows that the moisture-convection feedback, postulated previously to explain the large-scale organization of tropical convection and its coupling with SST fluctuations, operates very efficiently in the CRCP global model. It is also argued that the feedback plays a role in sensitivity simulations with horizontally uniform surface fluxes, where horizontal variability of the fluxes is required for the development, but not the maintenance, of MJO-like coherent structures. These results are discussed in the context of existing theories and modeling studies, which aim to explain the coupling between convection and the large-scale dynamics in the Tropics on intraseasonal timescales.

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document

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http://n2t.net/ark:/85065/d74x58bc

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Dataset language

eng

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geoscientificInformation

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title

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publication

effective date

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

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publication

effective date

2003-03-01T00:00:00Z

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Copyright 2003 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.

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None

Responsible organisations

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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

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pointOfContact

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