Cloud Microphysics in Global Cloud Resolving Models

Global cloud resolving models (GCRMs) are a new type of general circulation model that explicitly calculates the growth of cloud systems with fine spatial resolutions and more than 10 GCRMs have been developed at present. This work reviews cloud microphysics schemes used in GCRMs with introductions to the recent progress and researches with GCRMs. Especially, research progress using a pioneer of GCRMs, Nonhydrostatic ICosahedral Atmospheric Model (NICAM), is focused. Since GCRMs deal with climatology and meteorology, it is a challenging issue to establish cloud microphysics schemes for GCRMs. A brief history of the development of cloud microphysics schemes and cloud-radiation coupling in NICAM is described. In addition, current progress in analytical techniques using satellite simulators is described. The combined use of multi-optical sensors enables us to constrain uncertain processes in cloud microphysics without artificial tuning. As a result, cloud microphysics schemes used in the NICAM naturally represent cloud systems, and hence, the radiative budget is well balanced with little optimization. Finally, a new satellite and a ground validation campaign are introduced for future work.

Automated summary

This paper reviews the cloud microphysics schemes used in Global Cloud Resolving Models (GCRMs) and introduces the recent research progress. It focuses on the pioneering GCRM, Nonhydrostatic ICosahedral Atmospheric Model (NICAM), and describes the development of cloud microphysics schemes and cloud-radiation coupling in NICAM. The paper also discusses the current progress in analytical techniques using satellite simulators, which help to constrain uncertain processes in cloud microphysics. The use of multi-optical sensors allows for a well-balanced radiative budget without artificial tuning. Future work is proposed, including the introduction of a new satellite and a ground validation campaign.