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A review of cloud-resolving model studies of convective processes

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Abstract

Convective processes affect large-scale environments through cloud-radiation interaction, cloud microphysical processes, and surface rainfall processes. Over the last three decades, cloud-resolving models (CRMs) have demonstrated to be capable of simulating convective-radiative responses to an imposed largescale forcing. The CRM-produced cloud and radiative properties have been utilized to study the convective-related processes and their ensemble effects on large-scale circulations. This review summarizes the recent progress on the understanding of convective processes with the use of CRM simulations, including precipitation processes; cloud microphysical and radiative processes; dynamical processes; precipitation efficiency; diurnal variations of tropical oceanic convection; local-scale atmosphere-ocean coupling processes; and tropical convective-radiative equilibrium states. Two different ongoing applications of CRMs to general circulation models (GCMs) are discussed: replacing convection and cloud schemes for studying the interaction between cloud systems and large-scale circulation, and improving the schemes for climate simulations.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA

    Xiaoqing Wu

  2. Joint Center for Satellite Data Assimilation and NOAA/NESDIS/Center for Satellite Applications and Research, Camp Springs, Maryland, USA

    Xiaofan Li

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  1. Xiaoqing Wu
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  2. Xiaofan Li
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Correspondence to Xiaoqing Wu.

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Wu, X., Li, X. A review of cloud-resolving model studies of convective processes. Adv. Atmos. Sci. 25, 202–212 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00376-008-0202-6

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