Modelling deep convection and its impacts on the tropical tropopause layer

Abstract

The UK Met Office's Unified Model is used at a climate resolution (N216, ∼0.83°×∼0.56°, ∼60 km) to assess the impact of deep tropical convection on the structure of the tropical tropopause layer (TTL). We focus on the potential for rapid transport of short-lived ozone depleting species to the stratosphere by rapid convective uplift. The modelled horizontal structure of organised convection is shown to match closely with signatures found in the OLR satellite data. In the model, deep convective elevators rapidly lift air from 4-5 km up to 12-14 km. The influx of tropospheric air entering the TTL (11-12 km) is similar for all tropical regions with most convection stopping below ∼14 km. The tropical tropopause is coldest and driest between November and February, coinciding with the greatest upwelling over the tropical warm pool. As this deep convection is co-located with bromine-rich biogenic coastal emissions, this period and location could potentially be the preferential gateway for stratospheric bromine. © Author(s) 2010.