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Parameterizing deep convection using the assumed probability density function method

Journal Article · · Geoscientific Model Development (Online)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-8-1-2015· OSTI ID:1227792
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Due to their coarse horizontal resolution, present-day climate models must parameterize deep convection. This paper presents single-column simulations of deep convection using a probability density function (PDF) parameterization. The PDF parameterization predicts the PDF of subgrid variability of turbulence, clouds, and hydrometeors. That variability is interfaced to a prognostic microphysics scheme using a Monte Carlo sampling method.

The PDF parameterization is used to simulate tropical deep convection, the transition from shallow to deep convection over land, and midlatitude deep convection. These parameterized single-column simulations are compared with 3-D reference simulations. The agreement is satisfactory except when the convective forcing is weak.

The same PDF parameterization is also used to simulate shallow cumulus and stratocumulus layers. The PDF method is sufficiently general to adequately simulate these five deep, shallow, and stratiform cloud cases with a single equation set. This raises hopes that it may be possible in the future, with further refinements at coarse time step and grid spacing, to parameterize all cloud types in a large-scale model in a unified way.

Research Organization:
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE; USDOE Office of Science (SC), Biological and Environmental Research (BER) (SC-23); USDOE Office of Science (SC), Scientific Discoveries through Advanced Computing (SciDAC); USDOE Office of Science, Atmospheric System Research (ASR)
Grant/Contract Number:
AC06-76RL01830; SC0008323; SC0008668
OSTI ID:
1227792
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1236922
OSTI ID: 1195623
Journal Information:
Geoscientific Model Development (Online), Journal Name: Geoscientific Model Development (Online) Journal Issue: 1 Vol. 8; ISSN 1991-9603
Publisher:
Copernicus Publications, EGUCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
Germany
Language:
English

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Parameterizing deep convection using the assumed probability density function method
Journal Article · Mon Jan 05 23:00:00 EST 2015 · Geoscientific Model Development · OSTI ID:1236922

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