A vertical finite-difference scheme based on a hybrid σ-θ-p coordinate

Abstract

A vertical discretization of the primitive equations in a general vertical coordinate is described that enables a primitive equation model to use terrain-following sigma levels near the ground and isentropic levels higher up, with a smooth transition region in between. Therefore, it combines many of the advantages of the computational efficiency of σ coordinates and the predictive and diagnostic potential of θ coordinates, and should be particularly useful for general circulation models to be used for studies of stratosphere-troposphere exchange and middle-atmosphere transport of trace gases. It is shown that the semi-implicit time scheme can be used in a straightforward manner with this discretization. -from Authors