Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

Large-Scale Controls on Extreme Precipitation

Jessica M. Loriaux Delft University of Technology, Delft, and Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, De Bilt, Netherlands

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Geert Lenderink Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, De Bilt, Netherlands

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A. Pier Siebesma Delft University of Technology, Delft, and Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute, De Bilt, Netherlands

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Print Publication:
01 Feb 2017
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/JCLI-D-16-0381.1
Page(s):
955–968
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Abstract

Large-eddy simulations with strong lateral forcing representative of precipitation over the Netherlands are performed to investigate the influence of stability, relative humidity (RH), and moisture convergence on precipitation. Furthermore, a simple climate perturbation is applied to analyze the precipitation response to increasing temperatures. Precipitation is decomposed to distinguish between processes affecting the precipitating area and the precipitation intensity. It is shown that amplification of the moisture convergence and destabilization of the atmosphere both lead to an increase in precipitation, but on account of different effects: atmospheric stability mainly influences the precipitation intensity, whereas the moisture convergence mainly controls the precipitation area fraction. Extreme precipitation intensities show qualitatively similar sensitivities to atmospheric stability and moisture convergence. Precipitation increases with RH due to an increase in area fraction, despite a decrease in intensity. The precipitation response to the climate perturbation shows a stronger response for the precipitation intensity than the overall precipitation, with no clear dependency on changes in atmospheric stability, moisture convergence, and relative humidity.

Corresponding author e-mail: Jessica M. Loriaux, jmloriaux@gmail.com

Abstract

Large-eddy simulations with strong lateral forcing representative of precipitation over the Netherlands are performed to investigate the influence of stability, relative humidity (RH), and moisture convergence on precipitation. Furthermore, a simple climate perturbation is applied to analyze the precipitation response to increasing temperatures. Precipitation is decomposed to distinguish between processes affecting the precipitating area and the precipitation intensity. It is shown that amplification of the moisture convergence and destabilization of the atmosphere both lead to an increase in precipitation, but on account of different effects: atmospheric stability mainly influences the precipitation intensity, whereas the moisture convergence mainly controls the precipitation area fraction. Extreme precipitation intensities show qualitatively similar sensitivities to atmospheric stability and moisture convergence. Precipitation increases with RH due to an increase in area fraction, despite a decrease in intensity. The precipitation response to the climate perturbation shows a stronger response for the precipitation intensity than the overall precipitation, with no clear dependency on changes in atmospheric stability, moisture convergence, and relative humidity.

Corresponding author e-mail: Jessica M. Loriaux, jmloriaux@gmail.com
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