A standard test for AGCMs including their physical parametrizations. II: Results for The Met Office Model

Example results are shown for the proposed aqua-planet experiments using a version of The Met Office Unified Model (UM). The zonal mean circulation exhibits strong sensitivity to the latitudinal distribution of sea-surface temperatures (SST). Longitudinal variation of SST yields information on the linearity and distribution of the convective response.     

ENSO in a hybrid coupled model. Part I: sensitivity to physical parametrizations

 A hybrid coupled model (HCM) for the tropical Pacific ocean-atmosphere system is used to test the effects of physical parametrizations on ENSO simulation. The HCM consists of the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory ocean general circulation model coupled to an empirical atmospheric model based on the covariance matrix of observed SST and wind stress anomaly fields. In this two-part work, part I describes the effects of ocean vertical mixing schemes and atmospheric spin-up time on ENSO period. Part II addresses ENSO prediction using the HCM and examines the impact of initialization schemes. The standard version of the HCM exhibits spatial and temporal evolution that compare well to observations, with irregular cycles that tend to exhibit 3- and 4-year frequency-locking behavior. Effects in the vertical mixing parametrization that produce stronger mixing in the surface layer give a longer inherent ENSO period, suggesting model treatment of vertical mixing is crucial to the ENSO problem. Although the atmospheric spin-up time scale is short compared to ENSO time scales, it also has a significant effect in lengthening the ENSO period. This suggests that atmospheric time scales may not be truly negligible in quantitative ENSO theory. Overall, the form and evolution mechanism of the ENSO cycle is robust, even though the period is affected by these physical parametrizations. Received: 17 April 1998 / Accepted: 22 July 1999     

The impact of new physical parametrizations in the Hadley Centre climate model: HadAM3

 Results are presented from the latest version of the Hadley Centre climate model, HadAM3 (Hadley Centre Atmospheric Model version 3). It represents a significant improvement over the previous version, HadAM2b. This is demonstrated using a series of ten year integrations with AMIP (Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project) boundary conditions. The work covers three aspects of model performance: (1) it shows the improvements in the mean climate in changing from HadAM2b to HadAM3; (2) it demonstrates that the model now compares well with observations and (3) it isolates the impacts of new physical parametrizations. Received: 17 August 1998 / Accepted: 20 July 1999     

A comparison of low-latitude cloud properties and their response to climate change in three AGCMs sorted into regimes using mid-tropospheric vertical velocity

Low-latitude cloud distributions and cloud responses to climate perturbations are compared in near-current versions of three leading U.S. AGCMs, the NCAR CAM 3.0, the GFDL AM2.12b, and the NASA GMAO NSIPP-2 model. The analysis technique of Bony et al. (Clim Dyn 22:71–86, 2004) is used to sort cloud variables by dynamical regime using the monthly mean pressure velocity ω at 500 hPa from 30S to 30N. All models simulate the climatological monthly mean top-of-atmosphere longwave and shortwave cloud radiative forcing (CRF) adequately in all ω-regimes. However, they disagree with each other and with ISCCP satellite observations in regime-sorted cloud fraction, condensate amount, and cloud-top height. All models have too little cloud with tops in the middle troposphere and too much thin cirrus in ascent regimes. In subsidence regimes one model simulates cloud condensate to be too near the surface, while another generates condensate over an excessively deep layer of the lower troposphere. Standardized climate perturbation experiments of the three models are also compared, including uniform SST increase, patterned SST increase, and doubled CO₂ over a mixed layer ocean. The regime-sorted cloud and CRF perturbations are very different between models, and show lesser, but still significant, differences between the same model simulating different types of imposed climate perturbation. There is a negative correlation across all general circulation models (GCMs) and climate perturbations between changes in tropical low cloud cover and changes in net CRF, suggesting a dominant role for boundary layer cloud in these changes. For some of the cases presented, upper-level clouds in deep convection regimes are also important, and changes in such regimes can either reinforce or partially cancel the net CRF response from the boundary layer cloud in subsidence regimes. This study highlights the continuing uncertainty in both low and high cloud feedbacks simulated by GCMs.     

A no cap but trade proposal for emission targets

One problem in international climate policy is the refusal of large developing countries to accept emission reduction targets. Brazil, China and India together account for about 20% of today's CO₂ emissions. We analyse the case in which there is no international agreement on emission reduction targets, but countries do have domestic targets, and trade permits across borders. We contrast two scenarios. In one scenario, Brazil, China and India adopt their business as usual emissions as their target. In this scenario, there are substantial exports of emission permits from developing to developed countries, and substantial economic gains for all. In the second scenario, Brazil, China and India reduce their emissions target so that they have no net economic gain from permit trade. Here, developing countries do not accept responsibility for climate change (as they bear no net costs), but they do contribute to an emission reduction policy by refusing to make money out of it. Adopting such break-even targets can be done at minor cost to developed and developing countries (roughly $2 bn/year each in extra costs and forgone benefits), while developing countries are still slightly better off than in the case without international emissions trade. This result is robust to variations in scenarios and parameters. It contrasts with Stewart and Wiener (2003) who propose granting ‘hot air’ to developing countries to seduce them to accept targets. In 2020, China and India could reduce their emissions by some 10% from the baseline without net economic costs.     

A proposal for the measurement of boundary layer temperature gradient using Doppler lidar

A technique of retrieving temperature gradient in the atmospheric boundary layer from measurements of signal to noise ratio derived from a CO₂pulsed Doppler infrared lidar is proposed.     

Solitary Rossby waves over variable relief and their stability. Part I: The analytical theory

Nonlinear permanent form solutions have been found for the barotropic, quasi-geostrophic divergenceless vorticity equation describing large scale, rotating flows over zonal relief. In the linear limit these solutions are topographic Rossby waves. The analytical procedure is an expansion in two small dimensionless parameters, an amplitude parameter (the Rossby number) and the aspect ratio between North-South (cross-relief) and East-West length scales. Permanent form solutions exist when these two parameters, and the related effects of dispersion and nonlinearity, mutually balance. By the same expansion procedure, an analytical linearized stability theory has been formulated which proves the neutral stability of these solutions to infinitesimal, two-dimensional perturbations.     

Convection in PIDCAP Part II: DIAMOD — A standard for diagnosing convective quantities

Summary For the purpose of specifying the strength of atmospheric convection we review how correlation fluxes and phase transition terms are generated from first principles, i.e., from a thermodynamic set of equations. They may be used either for a forecast (prognostic mode) or for an analysis (diagnostic mode). We identify the total convective heat flux c as key parameter for quantifying convection. Other convective quantities can be derived from c. In the prognostic mode the convective quantities are parameterized. In the diagnostic mode they are indirectly inferred. Here we concentrate on the diagnostic mode. We review how c can be estimated from the routinely analyzed gridscale budget of moist enthalpy by solving a first-order linear differential equation, referred to as convection equation. A novel aspect of the present standard of the convection equation is that the ice phase has now been included. The pertinent algorithm runs under the acronym DIAMOD (diagnostic model). The difference to a LAM is that DIAMOD takes the gridscale tendency as observed input while in a LAM it is output. We demonstrate the use of c (and of the net condensation rate CON) through an observation simulation experiment. Gridscale budget data from a forecast run with the Deutschland–Modell are taken as perfect input for DIAMOD; we study the corresponding output for several approximations of the convection quation. The vertical profiles of c (and to a lesser extent those of CON) are relatively robust and precise (error margins of a few percent) while the accuracy of the other convective quantities is inferior. Conclusion is that parameterization schemes of different LAMs can be compared with each other as well as validated in terms of c and CON. Application of this technique has been demonstrated in Part I of this study. Received January 8, 2001 Revised April 26, 2001     

The weakest link hypothesis for adaptive capacity: An empirical test

Yohe and Tol (2002. Global Environmental Change 12, 25–40) built an indexing method for vulnerability based on the hypothesis that the adaptive capacity for any system facing a vector of external stresses could be explained by the weakest of its underlying determinants—the so-called “weakest link” hypothesis. Their structure noted eight determinants, but the approach could handle any number. They quoted analogies in support of the hypothesis, but loose inference is hardly sufficient to confirm such a claim. We respond to this omission by offering an empirical investigation of its validity. We estimate a structural form designed to accommodate the full range of possible interactions across sets of underlying determinants. The perfect complement case of the pure “weakest-link” formulation lies on one extreme, and the perfect substitute case where each determinant can compensate for all others at constant rates is the other limiting case. For vulnerability to natural disasters, infant mortality and drinking water treatment, we find qualified support for a modified weakest link hypothesis: the weakest indicator plays an important role because other factors can compensate (with increasing difficulty). For life expectancy, sanitation and nutrition, we find a relationship that is close to linear—the perfect substitute case where the various determinants of adaptive capacity can compensate for each other with relative and persistent ease. Moreover, since the factors from which systems derive their adaptive capacities are different for different risks, we have identified another source of diversity in the assessment of vulnerability.     

The 2016 summer floods in China and associated physical mechanisms: A comparison with 1998

The characteristics of droughts and floods in China during the summers (May–August) of 2016 and 1998 were compared in great detail, together with the associated atmospheric circulations and external-forcing factors. Following results are obtained. (1) The precipitation was mostly above normal in China in summer 2016, with two main rainfall belts located in the Yangtze River valley (YRV) and North China. Compared with 1998, a similar rainfall belt was located over the YRV, with precipitation 100% and more above normal. However, the seasonal processes of Meiyu were different. A typical “Secondary Meiyu” occurred in 1998, whereas dry conditions dominated the YRV in 2016. (2) During May–July 2016, the Ural high was weaker than normal, but it was stronger than normal in 1998. This difference resulted from fairly different distributions of sea surface temperature anomalies (SSTAs) over the North Atlantic Ocean during the preceding winter and spring of the two years. (3) Nonetheless, tropical and subtropical circulation systems were much more similar in May–July of 2016 and 1998. The circulation systems in both years were characterized by a stronger than normal and more westward-extending western Pacific subtropical high (WPSH), a weaker than normal East Asian summer monsoon (EASM), and anomalous convergence of moisture flux in the mid and lower reaches of the YRV. These similar circulation anomalies were attributed to the similar tropical SSTA pattern in the preceding seasons, i.e., the super El Niño and strong warming in the tropical Indian Ocean. (4) Significant differences in the circulation pattern were observed in August between the two years. The WPSH broke up in August 2016, with its western part being combined with the continental high and persistently dominating eastern China. The EASM suddenly became stronger, and dry conditions prevailed in the YRV. On the contrary, the EASM was weaker in August 1998 and the “Secondary Meiyu” took place in the YRV. The Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO) was extremely active in August 2016 and stayed in western Pacific for 25 days. It triggered frequent tropical cyclone activities and further influenced the significant turning of tropical and subtropical circulations in August 2016. In contrast, the MJO was active over the tropical Indian Ocean in August 1998, conducive to the maintenance of a strong WPSH. Alongside the above oceanic factors and atmospheric circulation anomalies, the thermal effect of snow cover over the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau from the preceding winter to spring in 2016 was much weaker than that in 1998. This may explain the relatively stronger EASM and more abundant precipitation in North China in 2016 than those in 1998.     

气象要素场的显著性检验

本文介绍在气象要素场显著性检验过程中所存在的问题及其解决的方法,其中包括考虑序列持续性影响的单点检验及考虑空间相关性的Monte Carlo等近代气象统计检验方法。     

A proposal for a new statistic and technique development for the design and evaluation of cloud seeding experiments

Abstract

The use of short‐term predictions of rain flux from isolated showers is discussed in the context of the design and evaluation of cloud‐seeding experiments. It is found that for a sample of 85 seeded convective clouds a seeding effect of 25% could be detected at the 10% significance level.     

A mass-flux cumulus parameterization scheme for large-scale models: description and test with observations

A simple mass-flux cumulus parameterization scheme suitable for large-scale atmospheric models is presented. The scheme is based on a bulk-cloud approach and has the following properties: (1) Deep convection is launched at the level of maximum moist static energy above the top of the boundary layer. It is triggered if there is positive convective available potential energy (CAPE) and relative humidity of the air at the lifting level of convection cloud is greater than 75%; (2) Convective updrafts for mass, dry static energy, moisture, cloud liquid water and momentum are parameterized by a one-dimensional entrainment/detrainment bulk-cloud model. The lateral entrainment of the environmental air into the unstable ascending parcel before it rises to the lifting condensation level is considered. The entrainment/detrainment amount for the updraft cloud parcel is separately determined according to the increase/decrease of updraft parcel mass with altitude, and the mass change for the adiabatic ascent cloud parcel with altitude is derived from a total energy conservation equation of the whole adiabatic system in which involves the updraft cloud parcel and the environment; (3) The convective downdraft is assumed saturated and originated from the level of minimum environmental saturated equivalent potential temperature within the updraft cloud; (4) The mass flux at the base of convective cloud is determined by a closure scheme suggested by Zhang (J Geophys Res 107(D14), doi:10.1029/2001JD001005, 2002) in which the increase/decrease of CAPE due to changes of the thermodynamic states in the free troposphere resulting from convection approximately balances the decrease/increase resulting from large-scale processes. Evaluation of the proposed convection scheme is performed by using a single column model (SCM) forced by the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program’s (ARM) summer 1995 and 1997 Intensive Observing Period (IOP) observations, and field observations from the Global Atmospheric Research Program’s Atlantic Tropical Experiment (GATE) and the Tropical Ocean and Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Response Experiment (TOGA COARE). The SCM can generally capture the convective events and produce a realistic timing of most events of intense precipitation although there are some biases in the strength of simulated precipitation.     

A study of weather types at Athens and Thessaloniki and their relationship to circulation types for the cold-wet period, part I: two-step cluster analysis

This paper presents a method for grouping weather types that occur over an area, which combines meteorological parameters, reflecting air mass characteristics at the surface, with synoptic conditions prevailing over an area. Five quantitative meteorological parameters are used in the procedure: temperature, precipitation, relative humidity, wind velocity and sunshine duration. In addition, two qualitative variables related to the prevailing circulation type and whether it is cyclonic or anticyclonic are also included. The study period is 43 years (1958–2000) and is restricted to the cold and wet sub-period of the year, December–March. Weather types are defined using a relatively new method of cluster analysis, two-step cluster analysis, which allows the simultaneous use of both quantitative and qualitative variables. The aim of the present study is to distinguish primary weather patterns so that the investigation into the relationship between weather patterns and circulation types will be more effective. For Athens, six weather types are created, whereas for Thessaloniki five are produced. For both stations, only two weather types are related to anticyclonic situations. The majority of the identified weather types correspond to a distinctive and well-defined synoptic situation. Each weather type differs from the others, not only in terms of the circulation conditions referring to it, but also with reference to meteorological variables such as temperature and precipitation. The results of the evaluation of the aforementioned procedure are considered to be highly satisfactory.     

A proposal for a new scenario framework to support research and assessment in different climate research communities

In this paper, we propose a scenario framework that could provide a scenario “thread” through the different climate research communities (climate change – vulnerability, impact, and adaptation - and mitigation) in order to support assessment of mitigation and adaptation strategies and climate impacts. The scenario framework is organized around a matrix with two main axes: radiative forcing levels and socio-economic conditions. The radiative forcing levels (and the associated climate signal) are described by the new Representative Concentration Pathways. The second axis, socio-economic developments comprises elements that affect the capacity for mitigation and adaptation, as well as the exposure to climate impacts. The proposed scenarios derived from this framework are limited in number, allow for comparison across various mitigation and adaptation levels, address a range of vulnerability characteristics, provide information across climate forcing and vulnerability states and span a full century time scale. Assessments based on the proposed scenario framework would strengthen cooperation between integrated-assessment modelers, climate modelers and vulnerability, impact and adaptation researchers, and most importantly, facilitate the development of more consistent and comparable research within and across these research communities.     

双热带气旋相互作用的机制分析及数值研究(一)——物理机制的分析

本文对正压情况下双热带气旋的相互作用进行了机制分析.通过对两个理想涡旋间非线性涡度平流过程的分析,揭示了双涡气旋性互旋及其中心间距变化的涡度平流机制.分析表明,一个涡旋的切向风场对另一涡旋涡度场的平流相互作用可造成两者气旋性互旋;而一个涡旋的切向风场与另一涡旋涡度梯度间的相互作用所引起的次级环流可造成双涡中心间距的增大或减小(定义为排斥或吸引),由此提出了双涡相互作用的临界距离效应概念.对几类常用的理想热带气旋及合成热带气旋的分析证实,双热带气旋的相互作用存在这种临界距离效应,且临界距离平均在6—7个纬距