MJO events during DYNAMO Field Campaign: Sensitivity tests of model resolutions and microphysics schemes

Continuing advances in computing power are allowing atmospheric prediction models to be run at progressively finer scales of resolution, using increasingly more sophisticated physical parameterizations and numerical methods. The representation of cloud microphysical processes is a key component of these models, and during the past decade both research and operational numerical weather prediction (NWP) models have started using more complex microphysical schemes originally developed from high-resolution cloud resolving models (CRMs).

In this talk, we will conduct numerical experiments using Goddard Cumulus Ensemble (GCE) model to examine the impact of horizontal resolution and microphysical schemes for clouds and precipitation systems occurred during the DYNAMO. Specifically, we will examine the impact of the resolution (1000 m, 500 m and 250 m) on transition from shallow clouds to deep convection and stratiform rain. We will also examine the impact of microphysics schemes (Goddard 3-ICE, Goddard 4-ICE, spectral bin and Morrison schemes) on simulated cloud properties including cloud (upward and downward) velocity, radar reflectivity (CFADs), latent heating profiles, and cool pool strength.