Modeling a Stratocumulus-Topped PBL: Intercomparison among Different One-Dimensional Codes and with Large Eddy Simulation

Several one-dimensional (1D) cloud/turbulence ensemble modeling results of an idealized nighttime marine stratocumulus case are compared to large eddy simulation (LES). This type of model intercomparison was one of the objects of the first Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment Cloud System Study...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society 1996-09, Vol.77 (9), p.2033-2042
Main Authors: Bechtold, P., Krueger, S. K., Lewellen, W. S., van Meijgaard, E., Moeng, C.-H., Randall, D. A., van Ulden, A., Wang, S.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Atmospheric models
Boundary layers
Cloud cover
Clouds
Convection, turbulence, diffusion. Boundary layer structure and dynamics
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
External geophysics
Liquids
Meteorology
Mixing ratios
Modeling
Turbulence
Turbulence models
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Summary:Several one-dimensional (1D) cloud/turbulence ensemble modeling results of an idealized nighttime marine stratocumulus case are compared to large eddy simulation (LES). This type of model intercomparison was one of the objects of the first Global Energy and Water Cycle Experiment Cloud System Study boundary layer modeling workshop held at the National Center for Atmospheric Research on 16–18 August 1994. Presented are results obtained with different 1D models, ranging from bulk models (including only one or two vertical layers) to various types (first order to third order) of multilayer turbulence closure models. The 1D results fall within the scatter of the LES results. It is shown that 1D models can reasonably represent the main features (cloud water content, cloud fraction, and some turbulence statistics) of a well-mixed stratocumulus-topped boundary layer. Also addressed is the question of what model complexity is necessary and can be afforded for a reasonable representation of stratocumulus clouds in mesoscale or global-scale operational models. Bulk models seem to be more appropriate for climate studies, whereas a multilayer turbulence scheme is best suited in mesoscale models having at least 100- to 200-m vertical resolution inside the boundary layer.
ISSN:0003-0007
1520-0477
DOI:10.1175/1520-0477(1996)077<2033:MASTPI>2.0.CO;2