A global, coupled ocean-atmosphere model is used to determine the impact of a diabatic initialization scheme on seasonal simulations. Initialization of the FSU coupled ocean-atmosphere system is explored using physical initialization to assimilate rainfall rates. The simulations starting from six-month initialized states are compared to results from a Newtonian relaxation scheme that does not include the heating and moistening of physical initialization. The proper placement of convective precipitation acts to adjust the heat and moisture fluxes into the ocean, altering its sub-surface characteristics. The initialization schemes are compared in the framework of the ENSO event of 1987-1989. The model SST variability between the El Nino and El Viejo season is well depicted over the Pacific Ocean domain by the model. The winter season response over the North American domain is also explored. The model captures the gross features in the precipitation differences between the 1987/8 and 1988/9 winter seasons over this region.
An empirical, low-level stratus parameterization has been developed to better represent the radiative impacts of eastern ocean basin clouds on the surrounding environment. This interactive, diagnostic parameterization utilizes the planetary boundary layer depth to determine the height and amount of low cloud, while the ground wetness and moisture amount are used to refine the parameterization. Results show an improvement in both the land and ocean surface temperature variability, as well as the atmospheric circulations. This parameterization offers a viable, inexpensive approach to the representation of stratus clouds