A Comparison of Six Vertical Discretization Schemes.
Abstract
Six vertical discretization schemes are compared for a linear, baroclinic, vorticity-divergence equation model in this thesis. Variables for the atmospheric prediction model are defined for two staggered and one unstaggered grids. A finite difference and a Galerkin finite element approximation are formulated for each of the three grids. The models are tested in three experiments. The largest difference between the grids occurs in the mid-atmosphere diabatic heat source experiment and the unstaggered grid provides the best results. For the staggered grids, the results of the finite element models are not more accurate than the corresponding finite difference results. Oscillations occur in the temperature profiles near the surface for both staggered finite element models. Results of Rossby wave, Mountain topography, and diabatic heating experiments are presented.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA161049
Entities
People
- Mary S. Jordan
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School