The Cumulus Parameterization Problem: Past, Present, and Future

A review of the cumulus parameterization problem is presented with an emphasis on its conceptual aspects covering the history of the underlying ideas, major problems existing at present, and possible directions and approaches for future climate models. Since its introduction in the early 1960s, there have been decades of controversies in posing the cumulus parameterization problem. In this paper, it is suggested that confusion between budget and advection considerations is primarily responsible for the controversies. It is also pointed out that the performance of parameterization schemes can be better understood if one is not bound by their authors' justifications. The current trend in posing cumulus…

• NS
  National Science Foundation
• NA
  National Aeronautics and Space Administration

  Award: NNG04GA76G
• GS
  Goddard Space Flight Center