Using 2-Way Embedding of Fine Grids in Global Models to Enhance Regional Climate Projection

Session: 52. - Climate Interactions with Large Lakes? Physical Systems

Brent Lofgren, NOAA/GLERL, [email protected]

Abstract

Global models of climate are not perfect, but they are self-consistent. They strive to meet three conservation laws as basic requirements of viability: conservation of energy, air mass, and water mass. Downscaling of climate model data by either statistical or dynamical (regional climate modeling) means does not accomplish this. Of particular concern is conservation of water mass, which determines the overall water surplus or deficit of the region of interest, and hence water levels of the Great Lakes. NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab (GLERL) is initiating a stronger partnership with our sister lab, NOAA Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Lab (GFDL), who have expertise in global modeling of weather and climate dating back to the 1950s. They have developed the capability for their current generation model, Climate Model 4.0 (CM4), to include finer grids embedded in a selected region of the world. This will enable a fine grid that is fully consistent with the coarser grid simulating the entire world. This will enable better answers to a broader range of questions than previously.

1. Keyword
climate change

2. Keyword
atmospheric circulation

3. Keyword
atmosphere-lake interaction

4. Additional Keyword
Earth system modeling