Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

Improved Madden–Julian Oscillations with Improved Physics: The Impact of Modified Convection Parameterizations

Lei Zhou Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Columbia University, Palisades, New York, and Key Laboratory of Ocean Dynamic Processes and Satellite Oceanography, SOA, Hangzhou, China

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Richard B. Neale National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado

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Markus Jochum National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado

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Raghu Murtugudde Earth System Science Interdisciplinary Center, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, Maryland

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Print Publication:
15 Feb 2012
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/2011JCLI4059.1
Page(s):
1116–1136
Restricted access

Abstract

Two modifications are made to the deep convection parameterization in the NCAR Community Climate System Model, version 3 (CCSM3): a dilute plume approximation and an implementation of the convective momentum transport (CMT). These changes lead to significant improvement in the simulated Madden–Julian oscillations (MJOs). With the dilute plume approximation, temperature and convective heating perturbations become more positively correlated. Consequently, more available potential energy is generated and the intraseasonal variability (ISV) becomes stronger. The organization of ISV is also improved, which is manifest in coherent structures between different MJO phases and an improved simulation of the eastward propagation of MJOs with a reasonable eastward speed. The improved propagation can be attributed to a better simulation of the low-level zonal winds due to the inclusion of CMT. The authors posit that the large-scale zonal winds are akin to a selective conveyor belt that facilitates the organization of ISVs into highly coherent structures, which are important features of observed MJOs. The conclusions are supported by two supplementary experiments, which include the dilute plume approximation and CMT separately.

Corresponding author address: Lei Zhou, 301d Oceanography, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, 61 Route 9W, Palisades, NY 10964. E-mail: lzhou@ldeo.columbia.edu

Abstract

Two modifications are made to the deep convection parameterization in the NCAR Community Climate System Model, version 3 (CCSM3): a dilute plume approximation and an implementation of the convective momentum transport (CMT). These changes lead to significant improvement in the simulated Madden–Julian oscillations (MJOs). With the dilute plume approximation, temperature and convective heating perturbations become more positively correlated. Consequently, more available potential energy is generated and the intraseasonal variability (ISV) becomes stronger. The organization of ISV is also improved, which is manifest in coherent structures between different MJO phases and an improved simulation of the eastward propagation of MJOs with a reasonable eastward speed. The improved propagation can be attributed to a better simulation of the low-level zonal winds due to the inclusion of CMT. The authors posit that the large-scale zonal winds are akin to a selective conveyor belt that facilitates the organization of ISVs into highly coherent structures, which are important features of observed MJOs. The conclusions are supported by two supplementary experiments, which include the dilute plume approximation and CMT separately.

Corresponding author address: Lei Zhou, 301d Oceanography, Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, 61 Route 9W, Palisades, NY 10964. E-mail: lzhou@ldeo.columbia.edu
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