Open AccessA multidecadal simulation of Atlantic tropical cyclones using a variable‐resolution global atmospheric general circulation model
Author(s) -
Zarzycki Colin M.,
Jablonowski Christiane
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
journal of advances in modeling earth systems
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.03
H-Index - 58
ISSN - 1942-2466
DOI - 10.1002/2014ms000352
Subject(s) - tropical cyclone , environmental science , storm , climatology , atmospheric model , variable (mathematics) , atlantic hurricane , atmospheric circulation , general circulation model , north atlantic oscillation , meteorology , climate model , atmospheric sciences , geology , climate change , geography , oceanography , mathematics , mathematical analysis
Using a variable‐resolution option within the National Center for Atmospheric Research/Department of Energy Community Atmosphere Model (CAM) Spectral Element (SE) global model, a refined nest at 0.25° (∼28 km) horizontal resolution located over the North Atlantic is embedded within a global 1° (∼111 km) grid. The grid is designed such that fine grid cells are located where tropical cyclones (TCs) are observed to occur during the Atlantic TC season (June–November). Two simulations are compared, one with refinement and one control case with no refinement (globally uniform 1° grid). Both simulations are integrated for 23 years using Atmospheric Model Intercomparison Protocols. TCs are tracked using an objective detection algorithm. The variable‐resolution simulation produces significantly more TCs than the unrefined simulation. Storms that do form in the refined nest are much more intense, with multiple storms strengthening to Saffir‐Simpson category 3 intensity or higher. Both count and spatial distribution of TC genesis and tracks in the variable‐resolution simulation are well matched to observations and represent significant improvements over the unrefined simulation. Some degree of interannual skill is noted, with the variable‐resolution grid able to reproduce the observed connection between Atlantic TCs and the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO). It is shown that Genesis Potential Index (GPI) is well matched between the refined and unrefined simulations, implying that the introduction of variable‐resolution does not affect the synoptic environment. Potential “upscale” effects are noted in the variable‐resolution simulation, suggesting stronger TCs in refined nests may play a role in meridional transport of momentum, heat, and moisture.