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Modeling the QBO-Improvements resulting from higher-model vertical resolution
Marvin A Geller1, Tiehan Zhou2, D Shindell3
1School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences Stony Brook University Stony Brook New York USA.
Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems
|December 6, 2016
Summary
Accurate modeling of the stratospheric quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) requires specific gravity wave momentum flux and fine vertical resolution in climate models. This improves simulation of tropical temperatures and water vapor transport.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Science
- Climate Modeling
- Stratospheric Dynamics
Background:
- The stratospheric quasi-biennial oscillation (QBO) is a crucial phenomenon influencing tropical and extratropical weather.
- Previous climate models have struggled to accurately simulate the QBO's characteristics and its impact on the upper troposphere-lower stratosphere (UTLS).
- Accurate representation of gravity wave momentum flux and vertical resolution are key challenges in climate modeling.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the necessary conditions for accurately modeling the stratospheric QBO using the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) climate model.
- To determine the impact of gravity wave parameters and vertical resolution on QBO simulation.
- To assess improvements in model transport characteristics and tropical-extratropical isolation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the NASA GISS climate model with specified gravity wave momentum flux and varying vertical resolutions (500m and 1000m).
- Analyzed the simulated QBO period, amplitude, and structure, comparing them with observational data.
- Employed age-of-air and N2O diagnostics to evaluate model transport characteristics and tropical pipe integrity.
Main Results:
- A realistic QBO with proper period, amplitude, and structure was modeled by adjusting gravity wave momentum flux and employing fine vertical layering (at least 500m).
- Gravity wave momentum flux controls QBO period, while spectrum width influences amplitude.
- Increased vertical resolution (from 1000m to 500m) improved simulation of tropical tropopause temperatures and stratospheric water vapor, approaching observed values.
Conclusions:
- Properly specified gravity wave momentum flux and fine vertical resolution are essential for simulating a realistic stratospheric QBO in the GISS model.
- Enhanced vertical resolution leads to improved representation of QBO-driven temperature and water vapor modulations in the tropical tropopause.
- Model transport deficiencies are improved, and a more realistic 'tropical pipe' effect is achieved with finer vertical layering.
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