Identification

Title

Towards global large eddy simulation: Super-parameterization revisited

Abstract

This paper argues that a global large eddy simulation can be achieved through the application of the superparametrization (SP) methodology on massively parallel computers. SP was proposed over 15 years ago to improve the representation of deep convection and accompanying small-scale processes in large-scale models for the weather and climate. The main idea was to embed in all columns of the large-scale model (featuring horizontal grid lengths of the order of 100 km) a two-dimensional (2D) convection-permitting small-scale model with approximately a 1-km horizontal grid length and periodic lateral boundaries. We propose to expand this methodology by applying a high-spatial-resolution three-dimensional (3D) large-eddy simulation (LES) model as the SP model and by embedding it in all columns of a large-scale model with a horizontal grid length in the range of 10 to 50 km. The outer model can apply hydrostatic equations as typical global numerical weather prediction and climate models today and can simulate atmospheric processes down to the mesoscale, including organized convection. Small-scale processes, such as boundary-layer turbulence and convective drafts, can be simulated by embedded nonhydrostatic (e.g., anelastic) LES models. Although significantly more expensive than the traditional SP, SP LES is ideally suited to take advantage of parallel computation because of the minimal communication between LES models when compared to traditional domain-decomposition methodologies in parallel simulation. Moreover, as illustrated through the idealized 2D mock-Hadley cell simulations, LES models can feature different horizontal and vertical grids in various columns of the large-scale model, and thus target dominant cloud regimes in various geographical regions. Such a system allows an unstructured grid simulation with no additional model development.

Resource type

document

Resource locator

Unique resource identifier

code

http://n2t.net/ark:/85065/d73n252b

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

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Temporal reference

Temporal extent

Begin position

End position

Dataset reference date

date type

publication

effective date

2016-07-01T00:00:00Z

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

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