Large scale parameters controlling convection in the tropics: CAPE, CIN, Moisture, and Vertical Velocity

The representation of moist convection and clouds in global climate models is one of the hardest problems in contemporary meteorology. The problem arises because the phenomenon of convection and cloud processes occur at much smaller spatial scales than current computers allow in terms of horizontal grid resolution. Nonetheless, theoretical and empirical knowledge led the climate modelling community to propose a certain number of convection schemes or parametrizations to deal with these issues. However, the two-way dynamical interactions between these large scale parameters and the convection process, and what they are remain open for debate. In this project, we will use numerical simulations based on the publicly available Weather Research and Forecast code to assess how these parameters influence the initiation, intensity, lifetime, and depth of convection. TO BE CONT’D

Faculty Supervisor:

Boualem Khouider

Student:

Partner:

Institut National Polytechnique Toulouse

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Education

University:

University of Victoria

Program: