Improvement in Global Cloud-System-Resolving Simulations by Using a Double-Moment Bulk Cloud Microphysics Scheme

• DOI: 10.1175/jcli-d-14-00241.1
• Publication Date: 2014-12-19T08:55:04Z
• Authors: Tatsuya Seiki; Chihiro Kodama; Akira T. Noda; Masaki Satoh
• Keywords: 13. Climate action; 01 natural sciences; 0105 earth and related environmental sciences

Abstract This study examines the impact of an alteration of a cloud microphysics scheme on the representation of longwave cloud radiative forcing (LWCRF) and its impact on the atmosphere in global cloud-system-resolving simulations. A new double-moment bulk cloud microphysics scheme is used, and the simulated results are compared with those of a previous study. It is demonstrated that improvements within the new cloud microphysics scheme have the potential to substantially improve climate simulations. The new cloud microphysics scheme represents a realistic spatial distribution of the cloud fraction and LWCRF, particularly near the tropopause. The improvement in the cirrus cloud-top height by the new cloud microphysics scheme substantially reduces the warm bias in atmospheric temperature from the previous simulation via LWCRF by the cirrus clouds. The conversion rate of cloud ice to snow and gravitational sedimentation of cloud ice are the most important parameters for determining the strength of the radiative heating near the tropopause and its impact on atmospheric temperature.