Factors influencing the parameterization of tropical anvils within GCMs

Conference · Tue Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1994

OSTI ID:10143176

Bradley, M M; Chin, H N.S.

The overall goal of this project is to improve the representation of anvil clouds and their effects in general circulation models (GCMs). We have concentrated on an important portion of the overall goal; the evolution of cumulus-generated anvil clouds and their effects on the large-scale environment. Because of the large range of spatial and temporal scales involved, we have been using a multi-scale approach. For the early-time generation and development of the citrus anvil we are using a cloud-scale model with a horizontal resolution of 1-2 kilometers, while for the transport of anvils by the large-scale flow we are using a mesoscale model with a horizontal resolution of 10-40 kilometers. The eventual goal is to use the information obtained from these simulations, together with available observations to develop an improved cloud parameterization for use in GCMS. The cloud-scale simulation of a midlatitude squall line case and the mesoscale study of a tropical anvil using an anvil generator were presented at the last ARM science team meeting. This paper concentrates on the cloud-scale study of a tropical squall line. Results are compared with its midlatitude counterparts to further our understanding of the formation mechanism of anvil clouds and the sensitivity of radiation to their optical properties.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• OSTI ID: 10143176
• Report Number(s): UCRL-JC--115899; CONF-940373--2; ON: DE94010058
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540110
ALBEDO
BASIC STUDIES
CLOUDS
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
GENERAL CIRCULATION MODELS
OPTICAL PROPERTIES
RADIANT HEAT TRANSFER