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Nonrotating Convective Self-Aggregation in a Limited Area AGCM.
Nathan P Arnold1,2, William M Putman2
1Goddard Earth Sciences Technology and Research Universities Space Research Association Columbia MD USA.
Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems
|June 26, 2018
Summary
Convection spontaneously forms humid clusters in atmospheric simulations, driven by radiative and moisture feedbacks. This aggregation is resolution-independent but influenced by domain size and longwave radiation.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Science
- Climate Modeling
- Radiative Transfer
Background:
- Convection aggregation is a key phenomenon in atmospheric general circulation models.
- Understanding the drivers of convection aggregation is crucial for climate simulations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms driving spontaneous convection aggregation in simulations.
- To determine the influence of resolution, radiation, and domain size on aggregation.
Main Methods:
- Nonrotating simulations using the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS) atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM).
- Experiments with varying horizontal grid spacing (3-110 km) and explicit/parameterized convection.
- Mechanism-denial experiments isolating the roles of radiative feedbacks and tropospheric humidity.
Main Results:
- Convection spontaneously aggregated into humid clusters, independent of resolution.
- Longwave radiative and surface flux feedbacks are essential for establishing aggregation.
- Aggregation intensity decreased but dry regions persisted when convection parameterization was decoupled from tropospheric humidity.
- Domain size influenced cluster number, with a potential upper limit suggested by simulations.
Conclusions:
- Spontaneous convection aggregation is robust across resolutions and driven by radiative and moisture feedbacks.
- Longwave radiation is critical for aggregation, while ice clouds play a supporting role.
- Domain size and boundary layer wind maintenance may limit convection cluster size.
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