03/18/2015

Self-Consistency Tests of Large-Scale-Dynamics Parameterizations for Single-Column Modeling

Summary

Sometimes, an experiment provides an answer that departs significantly from what is expected. These unexpected results point in the direction of new physics (i.e., new processes that are not yet accounted for in the theories). A recent study reported on one such unexpected result. Scientists think they understand how a patch of convecting atmosphere communicates with the rest of the atmosphere: it is all about gravity waves. So, if a patch of convecting atmosphere is disconnected from its surroundings, but its interactions are modeled with the surroundings using a model of those gravity waves, then the patch of convecting atmosphere should behave the same. This is referred to as a “self-consistency test.” In a particular limit (small domain size L, or small timescale tau), the self-consistency tests should be passed with ease, but, this is not what happens. New physics awaits.

Funding

Edman, J. P., and D. M. Romps. 2015. “Self-Consistency Tests of Large-Scale-Dynamics Parameterizations for Single-Column Modeling,” Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems 7(1), 320-34. DOI: 10.1002/2014MS000378.