A Madden-Julian Oscillation Event Realistically Simulated by a Global Cloud-Resolving Model

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1148443
• Publication Date: 2007-12-13T21:43:19Z
• Authors: Hiroaki Miura; Masaki Satoh; Tomoe Nasuno; Akira T. Noda; Kazuyoshi Oouchi
• Keywords: Madden–Julian oscillation; Oscillation (cell signaling); Atmospheric models; Atmospheric Circulation

A Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) is a massive weather event consisting of deep convection coupled with atmospheric circulation, moving slowly eastward over the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Despite its enormous influence on many climate systems worldwide, it has proven very difficult to simulate an MJO because assumptions about cumulus clouds in global meteorological models. Using model that allows direct coupling circulation clouds, we successfully simulated slow migration event. Topography, zonal sea surface temperature gradient, interplay between eastward- westward-propagating signals controlled timing transition convective center. Our results demonstrate potential making month-long predictions when cloud-resolving models realistic initial conditions are used.