Model Structure and Differencing

Lecture notes for this component of the course are available for copying (see logistics).

1. Introduction to Spectral Modeling

2. Simple Concepts

3. Spherical Shallow Water Equations (SWE) and Vertical Mode Decomposition

4. Legendre Polynomials

5. EXAMPLE 1

6. Associated Legendre Polynomials

7. Gaussian Quadrature

8. Spectral Transform Technique

9. GCM Flow Chart

10. Stability Analysis

11. NCAR SWE Model

12. EXAMPLE 2 (GFDL)

A. Vector Identities Used

Physical Parameterizations and Model Validation

Implicit treatment of physical processes that are not able to be explicitly resolved by the model are referred to as ``parameterizations''. The effects of these parameterizations on the model results can be significant and the source of some controversy. In this component of the course, we will explore the role of parameterization through investigation of some of the leading parameterizations presently in use and also by taking advantage of various intercomparison validation studies of climate GCMs. This component of the course is more interactive and discussion based.

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Last Updated: 18 January 1999