Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

Assessment of Physical Parameterizations Using a Global Climate Model with Stretchable Grid and Nudging

O. Coindreau Commisariat à l’Energie Atomique, Bruyères-le-Châtel, France

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F. Hourdin Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique, CNRS, IPSL, Paris, France

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M. Haeffelin Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique, CNRS, IPSL, Paris, France

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A. Mathieu Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique, CNRS, IPSL, Paris, France

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C. Rio Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique, CNRS, IPSL, Paris, France

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Print Publication:
01 Apr 2007
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/MWR3338.1
Page(s):
1474–1489
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Abstract

The Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique atmospheric general circulation model with zooming capability (LMDZ) has been used in a nudged mode to enable comparison of model outputs with routine observations and evaluate the model physical parameterizations. Simulations have been conducted with a stretched grid refined over the vicinity of Paris, France, where observations, collected at the Trappes station (Météo-France) and at the Site Instrumental de Recherche par Télédétection Atmosphérique observatory, are available. For the purpose of evaluation of physical parameterizations, the large-scale component of the modeled circulation is adjusted toward ECMWF analyses outside the zoomed area only, whereas the inside region can evolve freely. A series of sensitivity experiments have been performed with different parameterizations of land surface and boundary layer processes. Compared with previous versions of the LMDZ model, a “thermal plume model,” in association with a constant resistance to evaporation improves agreement with observations. The new parameterization significantly improves the representation of seasonal and diurnal cycles of near-surface meteorology, the day-to-day variability of planetary boundary layer height, and the cloud radiative forcing. This study emphasizes the potential of using a climate model with a nudging and zooming capability to assess model physical parameterizations.

Corresponding author address: Dr. Olivia Coindreau, CEA, DASE/LDG/SEG, BP 12, 91 680 Bruyéres-le-Châtel, France. Email: olivia_coindreau@yahoo.fr

Abstract

The Laboratoire de Météorologie Dynamique atmospheric general circulation model with zooming capability (LMDZ) has been used in a nudged mode to enable comparison of model outputs with routine observations and evaluate the model physical parameterizations. Simulations have been conducted with a stretched grid refined over the vicinity of Paris, France, where observations, collected at the Trappes station (Météo-France) and at the Site Instrumental de Recherche par Télédétection Atmosphérique observatory, are available. For the purpose of evaluation of physical parameterizations, the large-scale component of the modeled circulation is adjusted toward ECMWF analyses outside the zoomed area only, whereas the inside region can evolve freely. A series of sensitivity experiments have been performed with different parameterizations of land surface and boundary layer processes. Compared with previous versions of the LMDZ model, a “thermal plume model,” in association with a constant resistance to evaporation improves agreement with observations. The new parameterization significantly improves the representation of seasonal and diurnal cycles of near-surface meteorology, the day-to-day variability of planetary boundary layer height, and the cloud radiative forcing. This study emphasizes the potential of using a climate model with a nudging and zooming capability to assess model physical parameterizations.

Corresponding author address: Dr. Olivia Coindreau, CEA, DASE/LDG/SEG, BP 12, 91 680 Bruyéres-le-Châtel, France. Email: olivia_coindreau@yahoo.fr

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