Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Sensitivity of regional climate simulations of the summer 1998 extreme rainfall to convective parameterization schemes

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Meteorology and Atmospheric Physics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In this paper, a comparison study of three cumulus parameterization schemes (CPSs), Kain-Fritsch2 (KF2), Grell (GR) and Anthes-Kuo (AK), is carried out using the Pennsylvania State University-National Center for Atmospheric Research mesoscale model (i.e., MM5). The performances of three CPSs are examined in simulations of the long-term heavy Meiyu-frontal rainfall events over the middle to lower reaches of the Yangtze River Basin (YRB-ML) during the summer of 1998. The initial and lateral boundary atmosphere conditions are taken from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction/Department of Energy Reanalysis-2 (R-2) data. The experiment with KF2 scheme (EX_KF2) reproduces reasonably well the major rainfall events, especially the heavy rainfall over YRB-ML during the later stage, and the middle and lower troposphere circulation patterns. In contrast, the experiments with both GR and AK schemes (EX_GR and EX_AK) only simulate the heavy rainfall during the first Meiyu rainy phase with weak intensity, and almost miss the rainfall along YRB-ML during the second phase. The analyses show that the location of 500 hPa western Pacific subtropical high during the first rainy phase, the northward advance during the transition period and the retreat during the second rainy phase, observed from the R-2 data, are successfully captured by EX_KF2, compared to the poor performance of EX_GR and EX_AK. A reasonable proportion of the subgrid-scale rainfall and smaller biases of temperature and moisture from lower to middle troposphere in EX_KF2 decide its good rainfall simulations, in contrast with the absolutely high proportions and the cold and dry biases caused by the decreased vertically convective transportation and the weak southwesterly wind in EX_GR and EX_AK. Overall, the three CPSs show substantial intersimulation differences in rainfall as well as in three-dimensional atmospheric structures, and KF2 shows superior performances. The results suggest that the realistic subgrid-scale CPS is still highly required for the high-resolution regional climate models to simulate the heavy rainfall events.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Anthes RA, Hsie EY, Kuo Y-H (1987) Description of the Penn State/NCAR mesoscale model version 4 (MM4), NCAR Tech. Note. NCAR/TN-282. Natl Cent for Atmos Res, Boulder

  • Arakawa A (1975) Modelling clouds and cloud processes for use in climate model. The Physical Basis of Climate and Climate Modelling, GARP Publication Series, No. 16, WMO, USA, pp 183–197

  • Arakawa A (2004) The cumulus parameterization problem: past, present, and future. J Clim 13:2493–2525

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bechtold P, Bazile E, Guichard F, Mascart P, Richard E (2001) A mass–flux convection scheme for regional and global models. Quart J Roy Meteorol Soc 127:869–886

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bei N, Zhao S (2002) Mesoscale analysis of severe local heavy rainfall during the second stage of the 1998 Meiyu season. Chinese J Atmos Sci 26:526–540 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Cha D-H, Lee D-K, Hong S-Y (2008) Impact of boundary layer processes on seasonal simulation of the East Asian summer monsoon using a regional climate model. Meteorol Atmos Phys 100:53–72

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen F, Dudhia J (2001a) Coupling an advanced land surface-hydrology model with the Penn State-NCAR MM5 modeling system. Part I: model implementation and sensitivity. Mon Wea Rev 129:569–585

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Chen F, Dudhia J (2001b) Coupling an advanced land surface-hydrology model with the Penn State-NCAR MM5 modeling system. Part II: preliminary model validation. Mon Wea Rev 129:587–604

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Christensen JH, Hewitson B, Busuioc A et al (2007) Regional climate projections. In: Solomon S, Qin D, Manning M, Chen Z, Marquis M, Averyt KB, Tignor M Miller HL (eds) Climate change 2007: the physical science basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge

  • Dudhia J (1989) Numerical study of convection observed during the winter monsoon experiment using a mesoscale two-dimensional model. J Atmos Sci 46:3077–3107

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fritsch JM, Chappell CF (1980) Numerical prediction of convectively driven mesoscale pressure systems. Part I: convective parameterization. J Atmos Sci 37:1722–1733

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Fritsch JM, Kain JS (1993) Convective parameterization for mesoscale models: The Fritsch–Chappell scheme. The representation of cumulus convection in numerical models. Meteorol. Monogr., No. 24, Amer Meteor Soc, pp 165–170

  • Gao X, Shi Y, Song R, Giorgi F, Wang Y, Zhang D (2008) Reduction of future monsoon precipitation over China: comparison between a high resolution RCM simulation and the driving GCM. Meteorol Atmos Phys 100:73–86

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gochis DJ, Shuttleworth WJ, Yang ZL (2002) Sensitivity of the modeled North American monsoon regional climate to convective parameterization. Mon Wea Rev 130:1282–1298

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grell GA (1993) Prognostic evaluation of assumptions used by cumulus parameterizations. Mon Wea Rev 121:764–787

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grell GA, Dudhia J, Stauffer DR (1995) A description of the fifth-generation Penn State/NCAR mesoscale model (MM5). NCAR Tech. Note. NCAR/TN-398 +STR, 122 pp, Natl Cent for Atmos Res, Boulder

  • Hagos SM, Cook KH (2009) Development of a coupled regional model and its application to the study of interactions between the west African monsoon and the eastern tropical Atlantic Ocean. J Clim 22:2591–2604

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hong S-Y, Pan H-L (1996) Nonlocal boundary layer vertical diffusion in a medium-range forecast model. Mon Wea Rev 124:2322–2339

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Hong S-Y, Noh Y, Dudhia J (2006) A new vertical diffusion package with an explicit treatment of entrainment processes. Mon Wea Rev 134:2318–2341

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Houghton JT, Ding YH, Griggs DJ et al (2001) Climate change 2001: the scientific basis. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge City, p 881

    Google Scholar 

  • Hsu H-H, Yu Y-C, Kau W-S et al (2004) Simulation of the 1998 East Asian summer monsoon using the Purdue regional model. J Meteorol Soc Jpn 82:1715–1733

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Janjić ZI (1994) The step-mountain eta coordinate model: further developments of the convection, viscous sublayer, and turbulence closure schemes. Mon Wea Rev 122:927–945

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Jung J-H, Arakawa A (2004) The resolution dependence of model physics: illustrations from nonhydrostatic model experiments. J Atmos Sci 61:88–102

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kain JS (2004) The Kain-Fritsch convective parameterization: an update. J Appl Meteorol 43:170–181

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kain JS, Fritsch JM (1990) A one-dimensional entraining/detraining plume model and its application in convective parameterization. J Atmos Sci 47:2784–2802

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kållberg P, Simmons A, Uppala S, Fuentes M (2004) ERA-40 project report series: 17. The ERA-40 archive. http://www.ecmwf.int/publications/library/do/references/list/192

  • Kanamitsu MWE, Woollen J et al (2002) NCEP-DOE AMIP-II Reanalysis (R-2). Bull Am Meteorol Soc 83:1631–1643

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kuo Y-H, Reed RJ, Liu Y (1996) The ERICA IOP 5 storm. Part III: Mesoscale cyclogenesis and precipitation parameterization. Mon Wea Rev 124:1409–1434

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee DK, Cha DH, Kang HS (2004) Regional climate simulation of the 1998 summer flood over East Asia. J Meteorol Soc Jpn 82:1735–1753

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lee D-K, Cha D-H, Choi S-J (2005) A sensitivity study of regional climate simulation to convective parameterization schemes for 1998 East Asian summer monsoon. TAO 16:989–1015

    Google Scholar 

  • Leung LR, Zhong SY, Qian Y, Liu YM (2004) Evaluation of regional climate simulations of the 1998 and 1999 East Asian summer monsoon using the GAME/HUBEX observation data. J Meteorol Soc Jpn 82:1695–1713

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li X, Pu Z (2009) Sensitivity of numerical simulations of the early rapid intensification of hurricane Emily to cumulus parameterization schemes in different model horizontal resolutions. J Meteorol Soc Jpn 87:403–421

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liang XZ, Kunkel KE, Samel AN (2001) Development of a regional climate model for US midwest applications. Part I: sensitivity to buffer zone treatment. J Clim 14:4663–4678

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu YM, Ding YH (2001a) Modified mass flux cumulus parameterization scheme and its simulation experiment. Part I: mass flux scheme and its simulation of the flooding in 1991. Acta Meteorol Sinica 59:10–22 (in Chinese with English abstract)

  • Liu YM, Ding YH (2001b) Modified mass flux cumulus parameterization scheme and its simulation experiment. Part II: cumulus convection of the schemes and the sensitivity experiments of MFS. Acta Meteorol Sinica 59:129–142 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu HQ, Qian YF, Zheng YQ (2002) Effects of nested area size upon regional climate model simulations. Adv Atmos Sci 19:111–120

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu HB, Zhang D-L, Wang B (2006) Recent advances in regional climate modeling and applications. Clim Environ Res 11:649–668 (in Chinese with English abstract)

    Google Scholar 

  • Liu HB, Zhang D-L, Wang B (2008) Daily to submonthly weather and climate characteristics of the summer 1998 extreme rainfall over the Yangtze River Basin. J Geophys Res 113:D22101. doi:10.1029/2008JD010072

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu HB, Zhang D-L, Wang B (2010) Impact of horizontal resolution on the regional climate simulations of the summer 1998 extreme rainfall along the Yangtze-River Basin. J Geophys Res 115:D12115. doi:10.1029/2009JD012746

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Molinari J, Dudek M (1992) Parameterization of convective precipitation in mesoscale numerical models: a critical review. Mon Wea Rev 120:326–344

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pan ZT, Arritt RW, Gutowski WJ, Takle JES (2001) Soil moisture in a regional climate model simulation and projection. Geophys Res Lett 28:2947–2950

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pan J, Zhai G, Gao K (2002) Comparisons of three convection parameterization schemes in regional climate simulations. Chin J Atmos Sci 26:206–220

    Google Scholar 

  • Park E-H, Hong S-Y, Kang H-S (2008) Characteristics of an East-Asian summer monsoon climatology simulated by the RegCM3. Meteorol Atmos Phys 100:139–158

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qian Y, Leung R, Ghan SJ, Giorgi F (2003) Regional climate effects of aerosols over China: modeling and observation. Tellus (b) 55:914–934

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Qian Y, Gustafson WI Jr, Leung LR, Ghan SJ (2009) Effects of soot-induced snow albedo change on snowpack and hydrological cycle in western United States based on weather research and forecasting chemistry and regional climate simulations. J Geophys Res 114:D03108. doi:10.1029/2008JD011039

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Reynolds RW, Smith TM (1994) Improved global sea surface temperature analyses using optimum interpolation. J Clim 7:929–948

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Shi H, Yu R, Li J, Zhou T (2009) Development of a regional climate model (CREM) and evaluation on its simulation of summer climate over eastern China. J Meteorol Soc Jpn 87:381–401

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Singh GP, Oh J-H, Kim J-Y, Kim O-Y (2006) Sensitivity of summer monsoon precipitation over East Asia to convective parameterization schemes in RegCM3. SOLA 2:29–32

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stephens GL (2005) Cloud feedbacks in the climate system: a critical review. J Clim 18:237–273

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tao W-K, Starr D, Hou A, Newman P, Sud Y (2003) A cumulus parameterization workshop. Bull Am Meteorol Soc 84:1055–1062

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Vannitsem S, Chomé F (2005) One-way nested regional climate simulations and domain size. J Clim 18:229–233

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang W, Seaman NL (1997) A comparison of convective parameterization schemes in a mesoscale model. Mon Wea Rev 125:252–278

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang Y, Sen OL, Wang B (2003) A highly resolved regional climate model (IPRC-RegCM) and its simulation of the 1998 severe precipitation event over China. Part I: model description and verification of simulation. J Clim 16:1721–1738

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang YQ, Xie SP, Xu HM, Wang B (2004a) Regional model simulations of marine boundary-layer clouds over the Southeast Pacific off South America. Part I: control experiment. Mon Wea Rev 132:274–296

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang YQ, Xu HM, Xie SP (2004b) Regional model simulations of marine boundary-layer clouds over the Southeast Pacific off South America. Part II: sensitivity experiments. Mon Wea Rev 132:2650–2668

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wang YQ, Leung LR, Mcgregor JL, Lee DK, Wang WC, Ding YH (2004c) Regional climate modeling: progress, challenges, and prospects. J Meteorol Soc Japan 82:1599–1628

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Winter JM, Pal JS, Eltahir EAB (2009) Coupling of integrated biosphere simulator to regional climate model version 3. J Clim 22:2743–2757

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wu WL, Lynch AH, Rivers A (2005) Estimating the uncertainty in a regional climate model related to initial and lateral boundary conditions. J Clim 18:917–933

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xiong Z, Wang SY, Zeng ZM et al (2003) Analysis of simulated heavy rain over the Yangtze River Valley during 11–30 June 1998 using RIEMS. Adv Atmos Sci 20:815–824

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xue Y, Vasic R, Janjic Z, Mesinger F, Mitchell KE (2007) Assessment of dynamic downscaling of the continental US regional climate using the Eta/SSiB regional climate model. J Clim 20:4172–4193

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yang M-J, Chien F-C, Cheng M-D (2000) Precipitation parameterization in a simulated Mei-Yu front. TAO 11:393–422

    Google Scholar 

  • Yhang Y-B, Hong S-Y (2008) Improved physical processes in a regional climate model and their impact on the simulated summer monsoon circulations over East Asia. J Clim 21:963–979

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zeng X, Liu J, Ma Z, Song S, Xi C, Wang H (2010) Study on the effects of land surface heterogeneities in temperature and moisture on annual scale regional climate simulation. Adv Atmos Sci 27:154–163

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang D-L (1989) The effect of parameterized ice microphysics on the simulation of vortex circulation with a mesoscale hydrostatic model. Tellus 41A:132–147

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang D-L, Fritsch JM (1986) Numerical simulation of the meso-β scale structure and evolution of the 1977 Johnstown flood. Part I: model description and verification. J Atmos Sci 43:1913–1943

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Q, Tao S (2003) The anomalous subtropical anticyclone in western Pacific and their association with circulation over East Asia during summer. Chin J Atmos Sci 27:369–380

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang D-L, Kain JS, Fritsch JM, Gao K (1994) Comments on “Parameterization of convective precipitation in mesoscale numerical models: a critical review”. Mon Wea Rev 122:2222–2231

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Knowledge Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences Grant KZCX2-YW-Q11-04, the National Science Foundation of China grant 40905049, the China Meteorological Administration for the R&D Special Fund for Public Welfare Industry (meteorology) (Grant No. GYHY200906020), LASG State Key Laboratory Special Fund and the LASG Free Exploration Fund. The computations were performed on the Lenovo DeepComp 1800 Supercomputer in LASG of the Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. LASG, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No. 40, Huayanli, Beijing, 100029, China

    Hongbo Liu & Bin Wang

  2. Center for Earth System Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China

    Bin Wang

Authors
  1. Hongbo Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Bin Wang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Bin Wang.

Additional information

Responsible editor: B. Ahrens.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Liu, H., Wang, B. Sensitivity of regional climate simulations of the summer 1998 extreme rainfall to convective parameterization schemes. Meteorol Atmos Phys 114, 1 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00703-011-0143-y

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00703-011-0143-y

Keywords

Search

Navigation