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Application of fourth-order finite differences to a baroclinic model of the atmosphere

Anwendung des Differenzenverfahrens vierter Ordnung auf ein baroklines Modell der Atmosphäre

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Summary

Fourth-order difference approximations are implemented in a three-parameter baroclinic quasigeostrophic model of the atmosphere based on a modified version of the Bushby-Whitelam [2] model, currently in use at the Israeli Meteorological Office. The fourth-order accurate numerical forecast on a mesh covering Europe and the Mediterranean regions results in improved locations of low- and high-pressure centres as compared with the second-order forecast. The scheme also yields better estimates of the changes in position and intensity of the synoptic systems. The fourth-order numerical forecast tends, however to lower the values at the pressure centres. This so-called pillow effect still has to be explained.

Zusammenfassung

Differenzenverfahren vierter Ordnung werden auf ein drei-Parameter baroklines, quasigeostrophes Modell der Atmosphäre angewendet. Dieses Atmosphärenmodell, welches zur Zeit am israelischen meteorologischen Büro benutzt wird, ist eine Modifikation des Bushby-Whitelam Modells [2]. Die numerische Vorhersage vierter Ordnung, die sich über Europa und das Mittelmeer erstreckt, ergibt eine bessere Lokalisierung der Hoch- und Tiefdruckzentren, als dies mit einer Vorhersage zweiter, Ordnung möglich wäre. Sie führt auch zu besseren Abschätzungen der Positions- und Intensitätsänderungen des synoptischen Systems. Anderseits aber strebt sie dazu, die Werte in den Druckzentren zu verringern. Dieser sogenannte „pillow effect” muß noch weiter untersucht werden.

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Author notes

  1. I. M. Navon

    Present address: CSIR, National Research Institute for Mathematical Sciences, P. O. Box 395, 0001, Pretoria, South Africa

  2. Z. Alperson

    Present address: The Israeli Meteorological Service, P. O. Box 25, Beth-Dagan, Israel

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    1. I. M. Navon
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    2. Z. Alperson
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    Navon, I.M., Alperson, Z. Application of fourth-order finite differences to a baroclinic model of the atmosphere. Arch. Met. Geoph. Biokl. A. 27, 1–19 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02246459

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    • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02246459

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