Interpolation of LES cloud surfaces for use in direct calculations of entrainment and detrainment

Abstract

Direct calculations of the entrainment and detrainment of air into and out of clouds require knowledge of the relative velocity difference between the air and the cloud surface. However, a discrete numerical model grid forces the distance moved by a cloud surface over a time step to be either zero or the width of a model grid cell. Here a method for the subgrid interpolation of a cloud surface on a discrete numerical model grid is presented. This method is used to calculate entrainment and detrainment rates for a large-eddy simulation (LES) model, which are compared with rates calculated via the direct flux method of Romps. The comparison shows good agreement between the two methods as long as the model clouds are well resolved by the model grid spacing. This limitation of this technique is offset by the ability to resolve fluxes on much finer temporal and spatial scales, making it suitable for calculating entrainment and detrainment profiles for individual clouds. © 2011 American Meteorological Society.