Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-2023-87
https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-2023-87
Submitted as: methods for assessment of models
 | 
11 May 2023
Submitted as: methods for assessment of models |  | 11 May 2023
Status: this preprint is currently under review for the journal GMD.

DCMIP2016: the tropical cyclone test case

Justin L. Willson, Kevin A. Reed, Christiane Jablonowski, James Kent, Peter H. Lauritzen, Ramachandran Nair, Mark A. Taylor, Paul A. Ullrich, Colin M. Zarzycki, David M. Hall, Don Dazlich, Ross Heikes, Celal Konor, David Randall, Thomas Dubos, Yann Meurdesoif, Xi Chen, Lucas Harris, Christian Kühnlein, Vivian Lee, Abdessamad Qaddouri, Claude Girard, Marco Giorgetta, Daniel Reinert, Hiroaki Miura, Tomoki Ohno, and Ryuji Yoshida

Abstract. This paper describes and analyzes the Reed-Jablonowski (RJ) tropical cyclone (TC) test case used in the 2016 Dynamical Core Model Intercomparison Project (DCMIP2016). The intermediate complexity test case analyzes the evolution of a weak vortex into a TC in an idealized tropical environment. Simulations from 9 general circulation models (GCMs) that participated in DCMIP2016 are analyzed in this study at 50 km horizontal grid spacing, with 5 of these models also providing simulations at 25 km grid spacing for an analysis on the impact of finer grid spacing. Evolution of minimum surface pressure (MSP) and maximum 1 km azimuthally averaged wind speed (MWS), the wind-pressure relationship, radial profiles of wind speed and surface pressure, and wind composites are documented for all participating GCMs at both horizontal grid spacings. While results are generally similar between all models, some GCMs reach significantly higher storm intensities than others, ultimately impacting specific characteristics of their horizontal and vertical structure. TCs simulated at 25 km grid spacings retained these differences, but reach higher intensities and are more compact than their 50 km counterparts. These results indicate dynamical core choice is an essential factor in GCM development, and future work should be conducted to explore how specific differences within the dynamical core affect TC behavior in GCMs.

Justin L. Willson et al.

Status: final response (author comments only)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • CEC1: 'Comment on gmd-2023-87', Juan Antonio Añel, 19 Jun 2023
    • AC1: 'Reply on CEC1', Justin Willson, 22 Jun 2023
      • CEC2: 'Reply on AC1', Juan Antonio Añel, 22 Jun 2023
        • AC2: 'Reply on CEC2', Justin Willson, 06 Jul 2023
          • CEC3: 'Reply on AC2', Juan Antonio Añel, 06 Jul 2023
  • RC1: 'Comment on gmd-2023-87', Anonymous Referee #1, 07 Aug 2023
  • RC2: 'Comment on gmd-2023-87', Anonymous Referee #2, 09 Nov 2023

Justin L. Willson et al.

Model code and software

ClimateGlobalChange/DCMIP2016: v1.0 Paul Ullrich, Peter Hjort Lauritzen, Kevin Reed, Christiane Jablonowski, Colin Zarzycki, James Kent, Ramachandran Nair, and Antonin Verlet-Banide https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.1298671

Justin L. Willson et al.

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Short summary
Accurate simulation of tropical cyclones (TCs) is essential to understanding their behavior in a changing climate. One way this is accomplished is through model intercomparison projects where results from multiple climate models are analyzed to provide benchmark solutions for the wider climate modeling community. This study describes and analyzes the previously developed TC test case for 9 climate models in an intercomparison project, providing solutions that aid in model development.