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A formulation based on the anelastic approximation yields time-dependent simulations of convective updrafts, downdrafts, and other aspects of convection, such as stratiform layers, under reasonably flexible geometry assumptions. Termed anelastic convective entities (ACEs), such realizations can aid understanding of convective processes and potentially provide time-dependent building blocks for parameterization at a complexity between steady-plume models and cloud-resolving simulations. Formulation and behavior of single-ACE cases are addressed here, with multi-ACE cases in Part II. Even for cases deliberately formulated to provide a comparison to a traditional convective plume, ACE behavior differs substantially because dynamic entrainment, detrainment, and nonhydrostatic perturbation pressure are consistently included. Entrainment varies with the evolution of the entity, but behavior akin to deep-inflow effects noted in observations emerges naturally. The magnitude of the mass flux with nonlocal pressure effects consistently included is smaller than for a corresponding traditional steady-plume model. ACE solutions do not necessarily approach a steady state even with a fixed environment but can exhibit chains of rising thermals and even episodic deep convection. The inclusion of nonlocal dynamics allows a developing updraft to tunnel through layers with substantial convective inhibition (CIN). For cases of nighttime continental convection using GoAmazon soundings, this is found to greatly reduce the effect of surface-inversion CIN. The observed convective cold top is seen as an inherent property of the solution, both in a transient, rising phase and as a persistent feature in mature deep convection.
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This content will become publicly available on March 1, 2026
Anelastic Convective Entities. Part II: Adjustment Processes and Convective Cold Top
Seeking a family of models filling the hierarchy between steady plumes and cloud-resolving simulations, Part I of this study presented a formulation termed anelastic convective entities (ACEs). The solution includes pressure-mediated nonlocal effects in both vertical and horizontal and thus yields time-dependent simulations of convective updrafts, downdrafts, and other aspects of convection even for a single column interacting with a fixed environment through dynamically determined inflow and outflow. Here, we show how a straightforward iteration of that formulation can capture interactions among entities in a variety of choices for the geometry of the interactions. Using an oceanic sounding to contrast with land cases in Part I, we first illustrate that a single ACE can exhibit ongoing time-dependent evolution depending, e.g., on choices in the parameterized turbulence. For a case in which a single ACE with a fixed environment would yield a near-steady deep-convective state, we examine the adjustment process in a multi-ACE prototype for adjustment within a climate model grid cell. This embedded ACE configuration exhibits time-dependent stratiform cloud expansion through convective outflow modified by dynamic feedbacks. The gridscale adjustment process not only includes traditional warming by large-scale descent but also captures the spread of the convective cold top. The formulation also illustrates the possibility of multihour time lag before the transition to deep convection and remote initiation by small vertical velocities in the gridcell environment. Comparing 1-, 2-, 4-, and 8-ACE instances suggests promise as a potential convective-parameterization class between traditional and superparameterization, while providing a sandbox to aid understanding of convective and adjustment processes.
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- Award ID(s):
- 2414576
- PAR ID:
- 10610672
- Publisher / Repository:
- American Meteorological Society
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences
- Volume:
- 82
- Issue:
- 3
- ISSN:
- 0022-4928
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 625 to 640
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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