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Advancing Organized Convection Representation in the Unified Model: Implementing and Enhancing Multiscale Coherent Structure Parameterization
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  • Zhixiao Zhang,
  • Hannah Christensen,
  • Mark Muetzelfeldt,
  • Tim Woollings,
  • Robert Stephen Plant,
  • Alison Stirling,
  • Michael Whitall,
  • Mitchell W Moncrieff,
  • Chih-Chieh Chen,
  • Zhe Feng
Zhixiao Zhang
University of Oxford

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Hannah Christensen
University of Oxford
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Mark Muetzelfeldt
University of Reading
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Tim Woollings
University of Oxford
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Robert Stephen Plant
University of Reading
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Alison Stirling
UK Met Office
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Michael Whitall
Met Office
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Mitchell W Moncrieff
National Center for Atmospheric Research (UCAR)
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Chih-Chieh Chen
NCAR CGD
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Zhe Feng
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (DOE)
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Abstract

To address the effect of stratiform latent heating on meso- to large scale circulations, an enhanced implementation of the Multiscale Coherent Structure Parameterization (MCSP) is developed for the Met Office Unified Model. MCSP represents the top-heavy stratiform latent heating from under-resolved organized convection in general circulation models. We couple the MCSP with a mass-flux convection scheme (CoMorph-A) to improve storm lifecycle continuity. The improved MCSP trigger is specifically designed for mixed-phase deep convective cloud, combined with a background vertical wind shear, both known to be crucial for stratiform development. We also test a cloud top temperature dependent convective-stratiform heating partitioning, in contrast to the earlier fixed partitioning. Assessments from ensemble weather forecasts and decadal simulations demonstrate that MCSP directly reduces cloud deepening and precipitation areas by moderating mesoscale circulations. Indirectly, it amends tropical precipitation biases, notably correcting dry and wet biases over India and the Indian Ocean, respectively. Remarkably, the scheme outperforms a climate model ensemble by improving seasonal precipitation cycle predictions in these regions. This enhancement is partly due to the scheme’s refinement of Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) spectra, achieving better alignment with reanalysis data by intensifying MJO events and maintaining their eastward propagation after passing the Maritime Continent. However, the scheme also increases precipitation overestimation over the Western Pacific. Shifting from fixed to temperature-dependent convective-stratiform partitioning reduces the Pacific precipitation overestimation but also lessens the improvements of seasonal cycle in India. Spatially correlated biases highlight the necessity for advancements beyond deterministic approaches to align MCSP with environmental conditions.
02 Apr 2024Submitted to ESS Open Archive
16 Apr 2024Published in ESS Open Archive