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A Multi-Scale Modeling System with Unified PhysicsNumerical cloud models, which are based the non-hydrostatic equations of motion, have been extensively applied to cloud-scale and mesoscale processes during the past four decades. Because cloud-scale dynamics are treated explicitly, uncertainties stemming from convection that have to be parameterized in (hydrostatic) large-scale models are obviated, or at least mitigated, in cloud models. Global models will use the non-hydrostatic framework when their horizontal resolution becomes about 10 km, the theoretical limit for the hydrostatic approximation. This juncture will be reached one to two decades from now. In recent years, exponentially increasing computer power has extended cloud-resolving-mode1 integrations from hours to months, the number of computational grid points from less than a thousand to close to ten million. Three-dimensional models are now more prevalent. Much attention is devoted to precipitating cloud systems where the crucial 1-km scales are resolved in horizontal domains as large as 10,000 km in two-dimensions, and 1,000 x 1,000 km2 in three-dimensions. Cloud resolving models now provide statistical information useful for developing more realistic physically based parameterizations for climate models and numerical weather prediction models. It is also expected that NWP and mesoscale model can be run in grid size similar to cloud resolving model through nesting technique.
Document ID
20080039328
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Tao, Wei-Kuo
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
December 3, 2008
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Meeting Information
Meeting: 7th International GPM Meeting
Country: United States
Start Date: December 3, 2007
End Date: December 8, 2007
Sponsors: Japanese Space Agency
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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