Contact: Xianan Jiang and Prince Xavier

The objective of this project is to characterize, compare and evaluate the heating, moistening and momentum mixing processes associated with the MJO that are produced by our global weather and climate models, with a particular focus on their vertical structure. The goal is to improve our understanding of the role that convection, cloud, radiative and dynamic processes play in the development and evolution of the MJO in order to achieve better fidelity of the MJO in our global prediction models. The experimental framework takes advantage of the known links between biases seen in short-range forecasts and long-term climate simulations. Making use of the ECMWF YOTC analysis and profiling products from contemporary satellites (e.g. TRMM, CloudSat, Calipso, AIRS), along with a set of systematic and complementary model experiments, we will characterize, compare and evaluate the vertical processes associated with the MJO produced by global models.

References:

  • Petch, J., D.E. Waliser, X. Jiang, P. Xavier, S. Woolnough, 2011. A Global Model Intercomparison of the Physical Processes Associated with the Madden-Julian Oscillation, WCRP GEWEX News, Vol. 21, No. 3, pages 3-5.