The Representation of Cumulus Convection in Numerical Models

by Kerry Emanuel, David J. Raymond

The monograph is divided into six parts. Part I provides an overview of the problem, including descriptions of cumulus clouds and the effects of ensembles of cumulus clouds on mass, momentum, and vorticity distributions. A review of closure assumptions is also provided. A review of "classical" convection schemes in widespread use is provided in Part II. The special problems associated with the representation of convection in mesoscale models are discussed in Part III, along with descriptions of some of the commonly used mesoscale schemes. Part IV covers some of the problems associated with the representation of convection in climate models, while the parameterization of slantwise convection is the subject of Part V. The monograph concludes with a single paperbound describing some recent and very promising efforts to use explicit numerical simulations of ensembles of convective clouds to test cumulus representations.

246 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

Kerry Emanuel is an American atmospheric scientist and professor of meteorology at MIT, known for his work on hurricane dynamics and climate change. He gained attention for proposing the concept of the "hypercane," a theoretical super-hurricane driven by extreme ocean warming. His research suggests global warming may increase storm intensity but reduce their frequency. Emanuel co-founded the MIT Lorenz Center to advance climate science. A vocal advocate for climate action, he has also supported the role of nuclear energy in reducing carbon emissions. In 2006, Time named him one of the world’s 100 most influential people. He is a member of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, the American Philosophical Society, and a Foreign Member of the Royal Society.