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Mesoscale numerical weather prediction (NWP) models are routinely exercised at kilometer-scale horizontal grid spacings (Δ x ). Such fine grids will usually allow at least partial resolution of small-scale gravity waves and turbulence in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS). However, planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameterization schemes used with these NWP model simulations typically apply explicit subgrid-scale vertical diffusion throughout the entire vertical extent of the domain, an effect that cannot be ignored. By way of an example case of observed widespread turbulence over the U.S. Great Plains, we demonstrate that the PBL scheme’s mixing in NWP model simulations of Δ x  = 1 km can have significant effects on the onset and characteristics of the modeled UTLS gravity waves. Qualitatively, PBL scheme diffusion is found to affect not only background conditions responsible for UTLS wave activity, but also to control the local vertical mixing that triggers or hinders the onset and propagation of these waves. Comparisons are made to a reference large-eddy simulation with Δ x  = 250 m to statistically quantify these effects. A significant and systematic overestimation of resolved vertical velocities, wave-scale fluxes, and kinetic energy is uncovered in the 1-km simulations, both in clear-air and in-cloud conditions. These findings are especially relevant for upper-level gravity wave and turbulence simulations using high-resolution kilometer-scale NWP models.

On the Consequences of PBL Scheme Diffusion on UTLS Wave and Turbulence Representation in High-Resolution NWP Models