Dynamic Adaptive Grids for Modeling the Large-Scale Distribution of Atmospheric Water Vapor

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9616811 Gutowski Observational studies have shown that the distribution of water vapor is highly structured relative to other meteorologically important fields and, as a consequence, may require special numerical treatment for accurate and efficient modeling. This may be especially so for climate simulations there computational constraints limit the feasible resolution. The principal investigators will apply continuous dynamic grid adaptation (CDGA) techniques to model the horizontal and vertical distribution of atmospheric water vapor. Development will be done on a limited-area model which will allow for comparisons between model simulations of the water vapor fields and high resolution water-vapor soundings obtained during a recent field experiment called STORM-FEST. Observational studies also suggest that the water vapor distribution is, at times, confined by isentropic surfaces. The CDGA thus may produce an isentropic grid in regions where the water vapor field is isentropic (computationally simpler) and naturally will avoid an isentropic grid where the distribution is non-isentropic. The PIs will explore the extent to which CDGA provides a smooth, dynamic means of exploiting isentropic behavior in the atmosphere without making a priori assumptions about where the transitions between isentropic and non-isentropic dynamics will occur. This research will make an important contribution to the goals of the Role of Clouds, Energy, and Water in Global Climate Change Program. ***