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SUMMARY:Improving tropical cyclone representation in general circulation m
 odels through the use of variable resolution - Colin Zarzycki\,   (Univers
 ity of Michigan)
DTSTART:20120925T101000Z
DTEND:20120925T103500Z
UID:TALK40084@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Mustapha Amrani
DESCRIPTION:Modeling of tropical cyclones in General Circulation Models (G
 CMs) has been a historically difficult task due to issues such as relative
 ly small storm sizes and intense convective processes. However\, recent ad
 vances in GCM model design coupled with improvements in computing ability 
 now allow for GCM simulations with grid spacings as small as 15-30 km. Thi
 s presentation evaluates the potential of GCMs at these high horizontal re
 solutions to simulate tropical cyclones. In particular\, we explore a nove
 l variable-resolution mesh approach that allows for high spatial resolutio
 ns in areas of interest\, such as low-latitude ocean basins where tropical
  cyclones are prevalent. Such GCM designs with variable-resolution meshes 
 have the potential to become a future tool in weather forecasting as well 
 as for regional climate assessments. \n\nA statically-nested\, variable-re
 solution mesh option has recently been introduced into the National Center
  for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Atmosphere Model's (CAM) Spectr
 al Element (SE) dynamical core. We present preliminary CAM-SE model simula
 tions using an idealized tropical cyclone test case with a variety of grid
  sizes and refinement scales. We evaluate the evolution of tropical cyclon
 es initialized at various locations in or near grid scale transition regio
 ns. Specific focus is centered on factors crucial to storm cyclogenesis an
 d maintenance such as air-sea interaction and vertical development. In add
 ition to short-term\, deterministic tests\, we also investigate the perfor
 mance of multi-resolution meshes in longer-term climate simulations\, incl
 uding attention paid to the dependance of non-seeded tropical cyclone gene
 sis on spatial resolution and the subsequent implications for regional cli
 mate modeling within a global modeling framework. We also discuss pot enti
 al computational consequences of using such a setup in either process or c
 limate studies.\n\n
LOCATION:Seminar Room 1\, Newton Institute
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