scholarly journals Hadley Circulation Response to Orbital Precession. Part I: Aquaplanets

2013 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 740-753 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy M. Merlis ◽  
Tapio Schneider ◽  
Simona Bordoni ◽  
Ian Eisenman
Keyword(s):  
General Circulation ◽  
Lower Boundary ◽  
Circulation Model ◽  
Hadley Circulation ◽  
Momentum Balance ◽  
Summer Solstice ◽  
Net Radiation ◽  
Flux Divergence ◽  
Orbital Precession ◽  
Gross Moist Stability

Abstract The response of the monsoonal and annual-mean Hadley circulation to orbital precession is examined in an idealized atmospheric general circulation model with an aquaplanet slab-ocean lower boundary. Contrary to expectations, the simulated monsoonal Hadley circulation is weaker when perihelion occurs at the summer solstice than when aphelion occurs at the summer solstice. The angular momentum balance and energy balance are examined to understand the mechanisms that produce this result. That the summer with stronger insolation has a weaker circulation is the result of an increase in the atmosphere’s energetic stratification, the gross moist stability, which increases more than the amount required to balance the change in atmospheric energy flux divergence necessitated by the change in top-of-atmosphere net radiation. The solstice-season changes result in annual-mean Hadley circulation changes (e.g., changes in circulation strength).

Changes in the Extratropical Storm Tracks in Response to Changes in SST in an AGCM

2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (6) ◽  
pp. 1854-1870 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lise Seland Graff ◽  
J. H. LaCasce
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Conditions ◽  
General Circulation ◽  
Lower Boundary ◽  
Storm Track ◽  
Circulation Model ◽  
Hadley Circulation ◽  
Meridional Overturning Circulation ◽  
Storm Tracks ◽  
Poleward Shift ◽  
The Mean

Abstract A poleward shift in the extratropical storm tracks has been identified in observational and climate simulations. The authors examine the role of altered sea surface temperatures (SSTs) on the storm-track position and intensity in an atmospheric general circulation model (AGCM) using realistic lower boundary conditions. A set of experiments was conducted in which the SSTs where changed by 2 K in specified latitude bands. The primary profile was inspired by the observed trend in ocean temperatures, with the largest warming occurring at low latitudes. The response to several other heating patterns was also investigated, to examine the effect of imposed gradients and low- versus high-latitude heating. The focus is on the Northern Hemisphere (NH) winter, averaged over a 20-yr period. Results show that the storm tracks respond to changes in both the mean SST and SST gradients, consistent with previous studies employing aquaplanet (water only) boundary conditions. Increasing the mean SST strengthens the Hadley circulation and the subtropical jets, causing the storm tracks to intensify and shift poleward. Increasing the SST gradient at midlatitudes similarly causes an intensification and a poleward shift of the storm tracks. Increasing the gradient in the tropics, on the other hand, causes the Hadley cells to contract and the storm tracks to shift equatorward. Consistent shifts are seen in the mean zonal velocity, the atmospheric baroclinicity, the eddy heat and momentum fluxes, and the atmospheric meridional overturning circulation. The results support the idea that oceanic heating could be a contributing factor to the observed shift in the storm tracks.

Double and Single ITCZs with and without Clouds

2017 ◽  
Vol 30 (22) ◽  
pp. 9147-9166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Max Popp ◽  
Levi G. Silvers
Keyword(s):  
General Circulation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Convective Available Potential Energy ◽  
Circulation Model ◽  
Hadley Circulation ◽  
Large Scale Circulation ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Convergence Zones ◽  
Gross Moist Stability ◽  
Static Energy

A major bias in tropical precipitation over the Pacific in climate simulations stems from the models’ tendency to produce two strong distinct intertropical convergence zones (ITCZs) too often. Several mechanisms have been proposed that may contribute to the emergence of two ITCZs, but current theories cannot fully explain the bias. This problem is tackled by investigating how the interaction between atmospheric cloud-radiative effects (ACREs) and the large-scale circulation influences the ITCZ position in an atmospheric general circulation model. Simulations are performed in an idealized aquaplanet setup and the longwave and shortwave ACREs are turned off individually or jointly. The low-level moist static energy (MSE) is shown to be a good predictor of the ITCZ position. Therefore, a mechanism is proposed that explains the changes in MSE and thus ITCZ position due to ACREs consistently across simulations. The mechanism implies that the ITCZ moves equatorward if the Hadley circulation strengthens because of the increased upgradient advection of low-level MSE off the equator. The longwave ACRE increases the meridional heating gradient in the tropics and as a response the Hadley circulation strengthens and the ITCZ moves equatorward. The shortwave ACRE has the opposite effect. The total ACRE pulls the ITCZ equatorward. This mechanism is discussed in other frameworks involving convective available potential energy, gross moist stability, and the energy flux equator. It is thus shown that the response of the large-scale circulation to the shortwave and longwave ACREs is a fundamental driver of changes in the ITCZ position.

scholarly journals Hadley Circulation Response to Orbital Precession. Part II: Subtropical Continent

2013 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 754-771 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy M. Merlis ◽  
Tapio Schneider ◽  
Simona Bordoni ◽  
Ian Eisenman
Keyword(s):  
Land Surface ◽  
General Circulation ◽  
Atmospheric General Circulation Model ◽  
Circulation Model ◽  
Hadley Circulation ◽  
Surface Heat ◽  
Atmospheric General Circulation ◽  
Momentum Fluxes ◽  
Poleward Shift ◽  
Orbital Precession

Abstract The response of the monsoonal and annual-mean Hadley circulation to orbital precession is examined in an idealized atmospheric general circulation model with a simplified representation of land surface processes in subtropical latitudes. When perihelion occurs in the summer of a hemisphere with a subtropical continent, changes in the top-of-atmosphere energy balance, together with a poleward shift of the monsoonal circulation boundary, lead to a strengthening of the monsoonal circulation. Spatial variations in surface heat capacity determine whether radiative perturbations are balanced by energy storage or by atmospheric energy fluxes. Although orbital precession does not affect annual-mean insolation, the annual-mean Hadley circulation does respond to orbital precession because its sensitivity to radiative changes varies over the course of the year: the monsoonal circulation in summer is near the angular momentum-conserving limit and responds directly to radiative changes; whereas in winter, the circulation is affected by the momentum fluxes of extratropical eddies and is less sensitive to radiative changes.

scholarly journals Cyclonic Eddies in the Gulf of Mexico: Observations by Underwater Gliders and Simulations by Numerical Model

2015 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
pp. 313-326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel L. Rudnick ◽  
Ganesh Gopalakrishnan ◽  
Bruce D. Cornuelle
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
General Circulation ◽  
Circulation Model ◽  
Atlantic Water ◽  
Momentum Balance ◽  
Loop Current ◽  
Massachusetts Institute Of Technology ◽  
Underwater Gliders ◽  
Flow Curvature ◽  
Institute Of Technology

AbstractCirculation in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) is dominated by the Loop Current (LC) and by Loop Current eddies (LCEs) that form at irregular multimonth intervals by separation from the LC. Comparatively small cyclonic eddies (CEs) are thought to have a controlling influence on the LCE, including its separation from the LC. Because the CEs are so dynamic and short-lived, lasting only a few weeks, they have proved a challenge to observe. This study addresses that challenge using underwater gliders. These gliders’ data and satellite sea surface height (SSH) are used in a four-dimensional variational (4DVAR) assimilation in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) general circulation model (MITgcm). The model serves two purposes: first, the model’s estimate of ocean state allows the analysis of four-dimensional fields, and second, the model forecasts are examined to determine the value of glider data. CEs have a Rossby number of about 0.2, implying that the effects of flow curvature, cyclostrophy, to modify the geostrophic momentum balance are slight. The velocity field in CEs is nearly depth independent, while LCEs are more baroclinic, consistent with the CEs origin on the less stratified, dense side of the LCE. CEs are formed from water in the GoM, rather than the Atlantic water that distinguishes the LCE. Model forecasts are improved by glider data, using a quality metric based on satellite SSH, with the best 2-month GoM forecast rivaling the accuracy of a global hindcast.

scholarly journals Bayesian calibration of the Thermosphere-Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIE-GCM)

2009 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 137-144 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Guillas ◽  
J. Rougier ◽  
A. Maute ◽  
A. D. Richmond ◽  
C. D. Linkletter
Keyword(s):  
Electron Density ◽  
General Circulation Model ◽  
General Circulation ◽  
Lower Boundary ◽  
Circulation Model ◽  
Computer Simulation Model ◽  
Data Types ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Pressure Surface ◽  
Calibration Parameters

Abstract. In this paper, we demonstrate a procedure for calibrating a complex computer simulation model having uncertain inputs and internal parameters, with application to the NCAR Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIE-GCM). We compare simulated magnetic perturbations with observations at two ground locations for various combinations of calibration parameters. These calibration parameters are: the amplitude of the semidiurnal tidal perturbation in the height of a constant-pressure surface at the TIE-GCM lower boundary, the local time at which this maximises and the minimum night-time electron density. A fully Bayesian approach, that describes correlations in time and in the calibration input space is implemented. A Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approach leads to potential optimal values for the amplitude and phase (within the limitations of the selected data and calibration parameters) but not for the minimum night-time electron density. The procedure can be extended to include additional data types and calibration parameters.

scholarly journals Effects of the planetary waves on the MLT airglow

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (5) ◽  
pp. 1023-1032 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Egito ◽  
Hisao Takahashi ◽  
Yasunobu Miyoshi
Keyword(s):  
General Circulation ◽  
Atomic Oxygen ◽  
Lower Thermosphere ◽  
Lower Boundary ◽  
Circulation Model ◽  
Vertical Transport ◽  
Transport Processes ◽  
Planetary Waves ◽  
Emission Rates ◽  
Middle Latitudes

Abstract. The planetary-wave-induced airglow variability in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT) is investigated using simulations with the general circulation model (GCM) of Kyushu University. The model capabilities enable us to simulate the MLT OI557.7 nm, O2b(0–1), and OH(6–2) emissions. The simulations were performed for the lower-boundary meteorological conditions of 2005. The spectral analysis reveals that at middle latitudes, oscillations of the emission rates with the period of 2–20 days appear throughout the year. The 2-day oscillations are prominent in the summer and the 5-, 10-, and 16-day oscillations dominate from the autumn to spring equinoxes. The maximal amplitude of the variations induced by the planetary waves was 34 % in OI557.7 nm, 17 % in O2b(0–1), and 8 % in OH(6–2). The results were compared to those observed in the middle latitudes. The GCM simulations also enabled us to investigate vertical transport processes and their effects on the emission layers. The vertical transport of atomic oxygen exhibits similar periodic variations to those observed in the emission layers induced by the planetary waves. The results also show that the vertical advection of atomic oxygen due to the wave motion is an important factor in the signatures of the planetary waves in the emission rates.

scholarly journals Sensitivity of Late-Glacial and Holocene Climates to the Combined Effects of Orbital Parameter Changes and Lower Boundary Condition Changes: “Snapshot” Simulations with A General Circulation Model for 18, 9, AND 6 ka BP

1984 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 85-87 ◽  
Author(s):  
John E. Kutzbach ◽  
P. J. Guetter
Keyword(s):  
Solar Radiation ◽  
Boundary Conditions ◽  
General Circulation ◽  
Ice Sheet ◽  
Lower Boundary ◽  
Circulation Model ◽  
Late Glacial ◽  
Orbital Parameter ◽  
Ocean Temperature ◽  
Parameter Values

Sensitivity experiments can be used to illustrate the response of the general circulation to prescribed changes in lower boundary conditions (such as ocean temperature) or external forcing conditions (such as solar radiation). The climatic record from the late-glacial and the Holocene provides examples for both types of prescribed change experiments. A number of general circulation model experiments have been carried out. These are reviewed.At 18 ka 8P, orbital parameter values were very much like those of today, but the lower boundary conditions (ocean temperature, ice-sheet extent, etc.) were very different. The change in ocean temperature, and ice-sheet extent and thickness, were prescribed from the results of the Climate: Long-range Investigation Mapping and Prediction (CLIMAP) project.At 9 ka BP, orbital parameter values were very different from present, leading to increased radiation in July and decreased radiation in January (compared to present). The North American ice sheet still covered a significant area, so that lower boundary conditions also differed from the present ones. The combined and individual effects of these prescribed changes on the general circulation are reviewed, particularly in the context of changes of the monsoon circulation.At 6 ka BP, the solar radiation distribution differed from that of today in much the same fashion as at 9 ka BP, although the magnitude of the change was reduced. Lower boundary conditions were probably very similar to those of today.A series of experimental results from 18, 9, and 6 ka BP are presented as “snapshot” estimates of the paleoclimate of those times. The results are based upon simulations with the community climate model of the National Center for Atmospheric Research.

scholarly journals Axisymmetric Constraints on Cross-Equatorial Hadley Cell Extent

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (6) ◽  
pp. 1547-1564 ◽  
Author(s):  
Spencer A. Hill ◽  
Simona Bordoni ◽  
Jonathan L. Mitchell
Keyword(s):  
Angular Momentum ◽  
Zonal Wind ◽  
General Circulation ◽  
Potential Temperature ◽  
Circulation Model ◽  
Hadley Circulation ◽  
Hadley Cell ◽  
Equal Area ◽  
Area Model ◽  
Hadley Cells

Abstract We consider the relevance of known constraints from each of Hide’s theorem, the angular momentum–conserving (AMC) model, and the equal-area model on the extent of cross-equatorial Hadley cells. These theories respectively posit that a Hadley circulation must span all latitudes where the radiative–convective equilibrium (RCE) absolute angular momentum satisfies or or where the RCE absolute vorticity satisfies ; all latitudes where the RCE zonal wind exceeds the AMC zonal wind; and over a range such that depth-averaged potential temperature is continuous and that energy is conserved. The AMC model requires knowledge of the ascent latitude , which needs not equal the RCE forcing maximum latitude . Whatever the value of , we demonstrate that an AMC cell must extend at least as far into the winter hemisphere as the summer hemisphere. The equal-area model predicts , always placing it poleward of . As is moved poleward (at a given thermal Rossby number), the equal-area-predicted Hadley circulation becomes implausibly large, while both and become increasingly displaced poleward of the minimal cell extent based on Hide’s theorem (i.e., of supercritical forcing). In an idealized dry general circulation model, cross-equatorial Hadley cells are generated, some spanning nearly pole to pole. All homogenize angular momentum imperfectly, are roughly symmetric in extent about the equator, and appear in extent controlled by the span of supercritical forcing.

Polar vortex regimes in a simple general circulation model

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roland Walz ◽  
Hella Garny ◽  
Thomas Birner
Keyword(s):  
Temperature Increase ◽  
General Circulation ◽  
Polar Vortex ◽  
Circulation Model ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Regime Transition ◽  
Flux Divergence ◽  
Weak Regime ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Tropospheric Heating

<p>A dry dynamical-core model is used to investigate the regime behavior of the polar vortex under the influence of tropical upper-tropospheric warming. Up to 5 K temperature increase in this region, the polar vortex strength and variability hardly changes. Only for temperature increases above 8 K the polar night jet speeds up by approximately 20 m s<sup>−1</sup> and the probability of sudden stratospheric warmings is strongly reduced.</p><p>A comparison of climatological-mean differences of the zonal-mean zonal winds between the two regimes and the first empirical orthogonal function of the zonal-mean zonal wind closest to the regime transition at around 7.5 K temperature increase reveals that the system oscillates between both regimes at the regime transition. Every regime is present for a long time accounting for the peaked autocorrelation time scale being distinctive of a regime transition. From a dynamical point of view the strong polar vortex regime is characterized by less negative Eliassen-Palm (EP) flux divergence in the stratosphere and an equatorward refraction of EP flux in the midlatitudes compared to the weak polar vortex regime.</p><p>In order to quantify the influence of the polar vortex on the tropospheric circulation during tropospheric warming, another set of tropical upper-tropospheric heating simulations without a polar vortex is performed. This reveals that the latitudes of the tropospheric jets in both sets of simulations coincide for tropical upper-tropospheric warmings up to 5 K, or equivalently, when the polar vortex is in its weak regime. However, when the polar vortex starts to transition to the strong regime, i.e. for tropospheric warmings above 5 K, the poleward contraction of the tropospheric jet is strongly enhanced compared to the set of simulations without polar vortex.</p>

The Dynamics of Idealized Convection Schemes and Their Effect on the Zonally Averaged Tropical Circulation

2007 ◽  
Vol 64 (6) ◽  
pp. 1959-1976 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dargan M. W. Frierson
Keyword(s):  
General Circulation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Hadley Circulation ◽  
Horizontal Resolution ◽  
Shallow Convection ◽  
Tropical Circulation ◽  
Convection Scheme ◽  
Convection Schemes ◽  
Gross Moist Stability ◽  
The Tropics

In this paper, the effect of a simple convection scheme on the zonally averaged tropical general circulation is examined within an idealized moist GCM to obtain broad classifications of the influence of convection on the Tropics. This is accomplished with a simplified convection scheme in the style of Betts and Miller. The scheme is utilized in a moist GCM with simplified physical parameterizations (gray radiation, with zonally symmetric, slab mixed layer ocean boundary conditions). Comparisons are made with simulations without a convection scheme [i.e., with large-scale condensation (LSC) only], with the moist convective adjustment (MCA) parameterization, and with various formulations and parameter sets with a simplified Betts–Miller (SBM) scheme. With the control run using the SBM scheme, the Tropics become quieter and less dependent on horizontal resolution as compared with the LSC or MCA simulations. The Hadley circulation mass transport is significantly reduced with the SBM scheme, as is the ITCZ precipitation. An important factor determining this behavior is the parameterization of shallow convection: without shallow convection, the convection scheme is largely ineffective at preventing convection from occurring at the grid scale. The sensitivities to convection scheme parameters are also examined. The simulations are remarkably insensitive to the convective relaxation time, and only mildly sensitive to the relative humidity of the reference profile, provided significant large-scale condensation is not allowed to occur. The changes in the zonally averaged tropical circulation that occur in all the simulations are understood based on the convective criteria of the schemes and the gross moist stability of the atmosphere.

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