Multi-scale modeling of clouds and process studies using CRM and MMF frameworks (Invited)

Tropical convection often organizes itself into large-convective systems, from squall lines to Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO). The effects of the multi-scale organization of convection on large-scale circulation are poorly understood. The talk will demonstrate the application of a cloud-resolving model (CRM) to meso-scale organization of convection in the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and to the problem of tropical cyclogenesis. The application of a Multi-scale Modeling Framework (MMF) to large-scale organization of convection such as the MJO is also discussed. The MMF is a global climate model in which most of conventional sub-GCM-grid-scale parameterizations in each grid-column are replaced with imbedded CRMs, called super-parameterization. The MMF based on super-parameterized version of the Community Atmosphere Model, SP-CAM, produces robust MJO signal both in Earth and so-call Aqua-planet simulations, when the continents are removed, and observed sea-surface temperature (SST) is replaced with zonally symmetric SST. Sensitivity of the MJO on Aqua-planet to cold and warm SST perturbations, to zonal homogenization of surface fluxes and radiation, and to water vapor anomalies is discussed. Preliminary results of running the MMF in weather-forecasting mode during the YOTC period are reported.