Three-dimensional structure of convectively coupled equatorial waves in aquaplanet experiments with resolved or parameterized convection

Many studies have shown that global numerical weather prediction (NWP) models usually do not accurately simulate CCEWs; however, it is unclear if this problem can be alleviated with a better representation of deep convection in the models. To this end, this study investigates the representation of multiple types of CCEWs in the Model for Prediction Across Scales-Atmosphere (MPAS-A).

The simulated structure of CCEWs is analyzed from three MPAS-A aquaplanet experiments with horizontal cell spacing of 30,15, and 3 km, respectively. Using a wave-phase composite technique, the simulated structure is compared against observed CCEWs as represented by satellite and reanalysis data. All aquaplanet experiments capture the overall structure of gravity wave-type equatorial waves (e.g., Kelvin waves and inertio-gravity waves).