Moist thermodynamics of Madden Julian Oscillation in a cloud resolving model

The moist thermodynamic processes that sustain Madden Julian Oscillation are investigated using eddy available potential energy and moisture budget analyses on cloud resolving WRF simulations. The model realistically simulates the two MJO episodes observed during the winter of 2007-2008. Because of their phase relationships with temperature and specific humidity fluctuations, various forms of diabatic heating, moistening and transport play critical roles in providing instability or damping during the life-cycle of MJO. The results of the analysis are used to construct a simplified paradigm of MJO thermodynamics and the implications for improving the representation of the interactions between convective systems and their environment in low-resolution models are discussed.