The CSIRO 9-level atmospheric general circulation model
Abstract
Numerical models of the general circulation of the atmosphere are an important tool in climate research. They have been used to investigate the dynamical and physical processes controlling the atmosphere. The incorporation of representations of the cryosphere and oceans into such a model allows it to be used for forecasting climate anomalies and climate change. The spectral 9-level Atmospheric General Circulation Model (AGCM) described was developed at the CSIRO Division of Atmospheric Research to provide the basis for the current greenhouse research project and for future research. The spectral method for modeling the general circulation of the atmosphere is now firmly established and was adopted at several major research centers including the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasting (ECMWF), and the Canadian Climate Center. It provides a cost effective means of atmospheric modeling which is essential for climate research. The version of the CSIRO9 model described was used to generate the implied ocean heat transports required to enable computation of sea temperatures by a slab ocean model rather than using prescribed temperatures. The inclusion of this simple 'mixed-layer' ocean into the model allows the lower boundary condition involving the land surfaces, the polar ice caps, and now the oceans to be self-determining. This form of the CSIRO9 model is currently being used for greenhouse research and will be documented elsewhere. This publication documents the formulation of CSIRO9 and is intended as a general guide to its contents and formulation. It does not give details of the model's computer coding as would be required by users wishing to modify the model. The description of the dynamical framework of the model was kept to a minimum since standard spectral techniques were used. On the other hand, the physical processes are comprehensively covered.
- Publication:
-
Unknown
- Pub Date:
- 1993
- Bibcode:
- 1993csir.rept.....M
- Keywords:
-
- Atmospheric General Circulation Models;
- Climate Change;
- Mathematical Models;
- Numerical Weather Forecasting;
- Ocean Models;
- Greenhouse Effect;
- Land Ice;
- Ocean Temperature;
- Polar Caps;
- Geophysics