Evaluation of the tail of the probability distribution of daily and sub-daily precipitation in CMIP6 models

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-61
Author(s):  
Jesse Norris ◽  
Alex Hall ◽  
J. David Neelin ◽  
Chad W. Thackeray ◽  
Di Chen
Keyword(s):  
General Circulation ◽  
Daily Precipitation ◽  
Precipitation Amount ◽  
Coupled Model ◽  
Lower Troposphere ◽  
General Circulation Models ◽  
Intercomparison Project ◽  
Cloud Tops ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
Fraction Models

AbstractDaily and sub-daily precipitation extremes in historical Coupled-Model-Intercomparison-Project-Phase-6 (CMIP6) simulations are evaluated against satellite-based observational estimates. Extremes are defined as the precipitation amount exceeded every x years, ranging from 0.01–10, encompassing the rarest events that are detectable in the observational record without noisy results. With increasing temporal resolution there is an increased discrepancy between models and observations: for daily extremes the multi-model median underestimates the highest percentiles by about a third, and for 3-hourly extremes by about 75% in the tropics. The novelty of the current study is that, to understand the model spread, we evaluate the 3-D structure of the atmosphere when extremes occur. In midlatitudes, where extremes are simulated predominantly explicitly, the intuitive relationship exists whereby higher-resolution models produce larger extremes (r=–0.49), via greater vertical velocity. In the tropics, the convective fraction (the fraction of precipitation simulated directly from the convective scheme) is more relevant. For models below 60% convective fraction, precipitation amount decreases with convective fraction (r=–0.63), but above 75% convective fraction, this relationship breaks down. In the lower-convective-fraction models, there is more moisture in the lower troposphere, closer to saturation. In the higher-convective-fraction models, there is deeper convection and higher cloud tops, which appears to be more physical. Thus, the low-convective models are mostly closer to the observations of extreme precipitation in the tropics, but likely for the wrong reasons. These inter-model differences in the environment in which extremes are simulated hold clues into how parameterizations could be modified in general circulation models to produce more credible 21st-Century projections.

scholarly journals Bias-corrected climate projections for South Asia from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project-6

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vimal Mishra ◽  
Udit Bhatia ◽  
Amar Deep Tiwari
Keyword(s):  
Climate Change ◽  
Impact Assessment ◽  
South Asia ◽  
General Circulation ◽  
Coupled Model ◽  
General Circulation Models ◽  
River Basins ◽  
Climate Projections ◽  
Model Intercomparison ◽  
Intercomparison Project

Abstract Climate change is likely to pose enormous challenges for agriculture, water resources, infrastructure, and livelihood of millions of people living in South Asia. Here, we develop daily bias-corrected data of precipitation, maximum and minimum temperatures at 0.25° spatial resolution for South Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka) and 18 river basins located in the Indian sub-continent. The bias-corrected dataset is developed using Empirical Quantile Mapping (EQM) for the historic (1951–2014) and projected (2015–2100) climate for the four scenarios (SSP126, SSP245, SSP370, SSP585) using output from 13 General Circulation Models (GCMs) from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project-6 (CMIP6). The bias-corrected dataset was evaluated against the observations for both mean and extremes of precipitation, maximum and minimum temperatures. Bias corrected projections from 13 CMIP6-GCMs project a warmer (3–5°C) and wetter (13–30%) climate in South Asia in the 21st century. The bias-corrected projections from CMIP6-GCMs can be used for climate change impact assessment in South Asia and hydrologic impact assessment in the sub-continental river basins.

scholarly journals The Southern Hemisphere semiannual oscillation and circulation variability during the Mid-Holocene

2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 415-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Ackerley ◽  
J. A. Renwick
Keyword(s):  
Southern Hemisphere ◽  
General Circulation ◽  
General Circulation Models ◽  
Atmospheric Variability ◽  
Climatic Effects ◽  
Orbital Parameters ◽  
Ocean General Circulation Models ◽  
Intercomparison Project ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
Semiannual Oscillation

Abstract. The Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project (PMIP) was undertaken to assess the climatic effects of the presence of large ice-sheets and changes in the Earth's orbital parameters in fully coupled Atmosphere-Ocean General Circulation Models (AOGCMs). Much of the previous literature has focussed on the tropics and the Northern Hemisphere during the last glacial maximum and Mid-Holocene whereas this study focuses only on the Southern Hemisphere. This study addresses the representation of the Semiannual Oscillation (SAO) in the PMIP2 models and how it may have changed during the Mid-Holocene. The output from the five models suggest a weakening of the (austral) autumn circumpolar trough (CPT) and (in all but one model) a strengthening of the spring CPT. The effects of changing the orbital parameters are to cause warming and drying during spring over New Zealand and a cooling and moistening during autumn. The amount of spring warming/drying and autumn cooling/moistening is variable between the models and depends on the climatological locations of surface pressure anomalies associated with changes in the SAO. This study also undertakes an Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis of the leading modes of atmospheric variability during the control and Mid-Holocene phases for each model. Despite the seasonal changes, the overall month by month and interannual variability was simulated to have changed little from the Mid-Holocene to present.

scholarly journals An Assessment of Future Southern Hemisphere Blocking Using CMIP5 Projections from Four GCMs

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (21) ◽  
pp. 7599-7611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Simon Parsons ◽  
James A. Renwick ◽  
Adrian J. McDonald
Keyword(s):  
Southern Hemisphere ◽  
General Circulation ◽  
Coupled Model ◽  
General Circulation Models ◽  
Southern Annular Mode ◽  
Model Intercomparison ◽  
Future Projections ◽  
South Pacific Ocean ◽  
Blocking Activity ◽  
Intercomparison Project

AbstractThis study is concerned with blocking events (BEs) in the Southern Hemisphere (SH), their past variability, and future projections. ERA-Interim (ERA-I) is used to compare the historical output from four general circulation models (GCMs) from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5); the output of the representative concentration pathway 4.5 and 8.5 (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) projections are also examined. ERA-I shows that the higher latitudes of the South Pacific Ocean (SPO) are the main blocking region, with blocking occurring predominantly in winter. The CMIP5 historical simulations also agree well with ERA-I for annual and seasonal BE locations and frequencies. A reduction in BEs is observed in the SPO in the 2071–2100 period in the RCP4.5 projections, and this is more pronounced for the RCP8.5 projections and occurs predominantly during the spring and summer seasons. Preliminary investigations imply that the southern annular mode (SAM) is negatively correlated with blocking activity in the SPO in all seasons in the reanalysis. This negative correlation is also observed in the GCM historical output. However, in the RCP projections this correlation is reduced in three of the four models during summer, suggesting that SAM may be less influential in summertime blocking in the future.

scholarly journals GCM Simulations of the Climate in the Central United States

2005 ◽  
Vol 18 (7) ◽  
pp. 1016-1031 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kenneth E. Kunkel ◽  
Xin-Zhong Liang
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
General Circulation ◽  
Coupled Model ◽  
Scalar Fields ◽  
General Circulation Models ◽  
Atmospheric Model ◽  
Model Intercomparison ◽  
Central United States ◽  
Intercomparison Project ◽  
Precipitation Changes

Abstract A diagnostic analysis of relationships between central U.S. climate characteristics and various flow and scalar fields was used to evaluate nine global coupled ocean–atmosphere general circulation models (CGCMs) participating in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP). To facilitate identification of physical mechanisms causing biases, data from 21 models participating in the Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Project (AMIP) were also used for certain key analyses. Most models reproduce basic features of the circulation, temperature, and precipitation patterns in the central United States, although no model exhibits small differences from the observationally based data for all characteristics in all seasons. Model ensemble means generally produce better agreement with the observationally based data than any single model. A fall precipitation deficiency, found in all AMIP and CMIP models except the third-generation Hadley Centre CGCM (HadCM3), appears to be related in part to slight biases in the flow on the western flank of the Atlantic subtropical ridge. In the model mean, the ridge at 850 hPa is displaced slightly to the north and to the west, resulting in weaker southerly flow into the central United States. The CMIP doubled-CO2 transient runs show warming (1°–5°C) for all models and seasons and variable precipitation changes over the central United States. Temperature (precipitation) changes are larger (mostly less) than the variations that are observed in the twentieth century and the model variations in the control simulations.

scholarly journals Natural variability contributes to model–satellite differences in tropical tropospheric warming

2021 ◽  
Vol 118 (13) ◽  
pp. e2020962118
Author(s):  
Stephen Po-Chedley ◽  
Benjamin D. Santer ◽  
Stephan Fueglistaler ◽  
Mark D. Zelinka ◽  
Philip J. Cameron-Smith ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Climate Sensitivity ◽  
General Circulation ◽  
Climate Model ◽  
Coupled Model ◽  
General Circulation Models ◽  
Satellite Observations ◽  
Sea Surface ◽  
Eastern Pacific ◽  
Surface Warming ◽  
The Tropics

A long-standing discrepancy exists between general circulation models (GCMs) and satellite observations: The multimodel mean temperature of the midtroposphere (TMT) in the tropics warms at approximately twice the rate of observations. Using a large ensemble of simulations from a single climate model, we find that tropical TMT trends (1979–2018) vary widely and that a subset of realizations are within the range of satellite observations. Realizations with relatively small tropical TMT trends are accompanied by subdued sea-surface warming in the tropical central and eastern Pacific. Observed changes in sea-surface temperature have a similar pattern, implying that the observed tropical TMT trend has been reduced by multidecadal variability. We also assess the latest generation of GCMs from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6). CMIP6 simulations with muted warming over the central and eastern Pacific also show reduced tropical tropospheric warming. We find that 13% of the model realizations have tropical TMT trends within the observed trend range. These simulations are from models with both small and large climate sensitivity values, illustrating that the magnitude of tropical tropospheric warming is not solely a function of climate sensitivity. For global averages, one-quarter of model simulations exhibit TMT trends in accord with observations. Our results indicate that even on 40-y timescales, natural climate variability is important to consider when comparing observed and simulated tropospheric warming and is sufficiently large to explain TMT trend differences between models and satellite data.

scholarly journals A multi-diagnostic approach to cloud evaluation

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (7) ◽  
pp. 2547-2566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Keith D. Williams ◽  
Alejandro Bodas-Salcedo
Keyword(s):  
General Circulation ◽  
Model Development ◽  
Model Performance ◽  
Coupled Model ◽  
Cloud Amount ◽  
General Circulation Models ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Model Errors ◽  
Intercomparison Project ◽  
Model Development Process

Abstract. Most studies evaluating cloud in general circulation models present new diagnostic techniques or observational datasets, or apply a limited set of existing diagnostics to a number of models. In this study, we use a range of diagnostic techniques and observational datasets to provide a thorough evaluation of cloud, such as might be carried out during a model development process. The methodology is illustrated by analysing two configurations of the Met Office Unified Model – the currently operational configuration at the time of undertaking the study (Global Atmosphere 6, GA6), and the configuration which will underpin the United Kingdom's Earth System Model for CMIP6 (Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6; GA7). By undertaking a more comprehensive analysis which includes compositing techniques, comparing against a set of quite different observational instruments and evaluating the model across a range of timescales, the risks of drawing the wrong conclusions due to compensating model errors are minimized and a more accurate overall picture of model performance can be drawn. Overall the two configurations analysed perform well, especially in terms of cloud amount. GA6 has excessive thin cirrus which is removed in GA7. The primary remaining errors in both configurations are the in-cloud albedos which are too high in most Northern Hemisphere cloud types and sub-tropical stratocumulus, whilst the stratocumulus on the cold-air side of Southern Hemisphere cyclones has in-cloud albedos which are too low.

scholarly journals Quantifying Uncertainty in the Modelling Process; Future Extreme Flood Event Projections Across the UK

Geosciences ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 33
Author(s):  
Cameron Ellis ◽  
Annie Visser-Quinn ◽  
Gordon Aitken ◽  
Lindsay Beevers
Keyword(s):  
General Circulation ◽  
Coupled Model ◽  
General Circulation Models ◽  
Extreme Value ◽  
Extreme Flood ◽  
Emissions Scenarios ◽  
Rcp 8.5 ◽  
Intercomparison Project ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Model Chain

With evidence suggesting that climate change is resulting in changes within the hydrologic cycle, the ability to robustly model hydroclimatic response is critical. This paper assesses how extreme runoff—1:2- and 1:30-year return period (RP) events—may change at a regional level across the UK by the 2080s (2069–2098). Capturing uncertainty in the hydroclimatic modelling chain, flow projections were extracted from the EDgE (End-to-end Demonstrator for improved decision-making in the water sector in Europe) multi-model ensemble: five Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) General Circulation Models and four hydrological models forced under emissions scenarios Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) 2.6 and RCP 8.5 (5 × 4 × 2 chains). Uncertainty in extreme value parameterisation was captured through consideration of two methods: generalised extreme value (GEV) and generalised logistic (GL). The method was applied across 192 catchments and aggregated to eight regions. The results suggest that, by the 2080s, many regions could experience large increases in extreme runoff, with a maximum mean change signal of +34% exhibited in East Scotland (1:2-year RP). Combined with increasing urbanisation, these estimates paint a concerning picture for the future UK flood landscape. Model chain uncertainty was found to increase by the 2080s, though extreme value (EV) parameter uncertainty becomes dominant at the 1:30-year RP (exceeding 60% in some regions), highlighting the importance of capturing both the associated EV parameter and ensemble uncertainty.

scholarly journals The Southern Hemisphere semiannual oscillation and circulation variability during the Mid-Holocene

2010 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 185-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Ackerley ◽  
J. A. Renwick
Keyword(s):  
Southern Hemisphere ◽  
General Circulation ◽  
General Circulation Models ◽  
Atmospheric Variability ◽  
Climatic Effects ◽  
Orbital Parameters ◽  
Ocean General Circulation Models ◽  
Intercomparison Project ◽  
The Tropics ◽  
Semiannual Oscillation

Abstract. The Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project (PMIP) was undertaken to assess the climatic effects of the presence of large ice-sheets and changes in the Earth's orbital parameters in fully coupled Atmosphere-Ocean General Circulation Models (AOGCMs). Much of the previous literature has focussed on the tropics and the Northern Hemisphere during the last glacial maximum and Mid-Holocene whereas this study focuses only on the Southern Hemisphere. This study addresses the representation of the Semiannual Oscillation (SAO) in the PMIP2 models and how it may have changed during the Mid-Holocene. The output from the models suggest a weakening of the (austral) autumn circumpolar trough (CPT) and (in all but one model) a strengthening of the spring CPT. The effects of changing the orbital parameters are to cause warming and drying during spring over New Zealand and a cooling and moistening during autumn. The amount of spring warming/drying and autumn cooling/moistening is variable between the models and depends on the climatological locations of surface pressure anomalies associated with changes in the SAO. This study also undertakes an Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis of the leading modes of atmospheric variability during the control and Mid-Holocene phases for each model. Despite the seasonal changes, the overall month by month and interannual variability was simulated to have changed little from the Mid-Holocene to present.

scholarly journals Observations and climate models confirm precipitation pattern is changing over Nepal

Jalawaayu ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-46
Author(s):  
Rocky Talchabhadel
Keyword(s):  
Climate Models ◽  
Daily Precipitation ◽  
Precipitation Amount ◽  
Coupled Model ◽  
Heavy Precipitation ◽  
Precipitation Pattern ◽  
Daily Precipitation Data ◽  
Comprehensive Picture ◽  
Intercomparison Project ◽  
Precipitation Indices

This paper presents a comprehensive picture of precipitation variability across Nepal over the present (1985-2014) and future (2021-2050) based on gauge-based observations from 28 precipitation stations distributed throughout the country and thirteen climate models of the latest Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) under two Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP 245 and SSP 585). Seventeen different precipitation indices are computed using daily precipitation data based on gauge-based observations and climate models. Along with absolute extreme precipitation indices, such as maximum 1-day, maximum consecutive 3-day, 5-day, and 7-day precipitation amounts, this study also computes the contribution of such instances to the annual precipitation. The selected precipitation indices not only allow for the analyses of heavy precipitation-related extremes but also guide the evaluation of agricultural productivity and drought indications, such as consecutive dry and wet days (CDD and CWD). The number of wet days and average precipitation during those wet days, along with the information of the number of days with daily precipitation ≥ 10, 20, 50, and 100 mm, summarize the distribution of total precipitation. This study emphasizes changing precipitation patterns by looking at these indices over the present and future periods. Observations and climate models show a changing nature of precipitation over Nepal. However, different climate models exhibit a different severity of changes. Though the yearly precipitation amount is not altered noticeably, this study finds that the extremes are expected to alter significantly than the averages. It is also to be noted that climate models are unable to capture localized extremes in Nepal Himalayas.

scholarly journals The Role of Atmosphere Feedbacks during ENSO in the CMIP3 Models. Part III: The Shortwave Flux Feedback

2012 ◽  
Vol 25 (12) ◽  
pp. 4275-4293 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Lloyd ◽  
Eric Guilyardi ◽  
Hilary Weller
Keyword(s):  
General Circulation ◽  
Southern Oscillation ◽  
Dominant Role ◽  
Coupled Model ◽  
General Circulation Models ◽  
Dynamical Response ◽  
Eastern Equatorial Pacific ◽  
Intercomparison Project ◽  
High Level ◽  
Sst Anomalies

Abstract Previous studies using coupled general circulation models (GCMs) suggest that the atmosphere model plays a dominant role in the modeled El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and that intermodel differences in the thermodynamical damping of sea surface temperatures (SSTs) are a dominant contributor to the ENSO amplitude diversity. This study presents a detailed analysis of the shortwave flux feedback (αSW) in 12 Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 3 (CMIP3) simulations, motivated by findings that αSW is the primary contributor to model thermodynamical damping errors. A “feedback decomposition method,” developed to elucidate the αSW biases, shows that all models underestimate the dynamical atmospheric response to SSTs in the eastern equatorial Pacific, leading to underestimated αSW values. Biases in the cloud response to dynamics and the shortwave interception by clouds also contribute to errors in αSW. Changes in the αSW feedback between the coupled and corresponding atmosphere-only simulations are related to changes in the mean dynamics. A large nonlinearity is found in the observed and modeled SW flux feedback, hidden when linearly calculating αSW. In the observations, two physical mechanisms are proposed to explain this nonlinearity: 1) a weaker subsidence response to cold SST anomalies than the ascent response to warm SST anomalies and 2) a nonlinear high-level cloud cover response to SST. The shortwave flux feedback nonlinearity tends to be underestimated by the models, linked to an underestimated nonlinearity in the dynamical response to SST. The process-based methodology presented in this study may help to correct model ENSO atmospheric biases, ultimately leading to an improved simulation of ENSO in GCMs.

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