Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Discussions www.atmos-chem-phys-discuss.net 1680-7367 1680-7375 4 4 2004 10.5194/acpd-4-3669-2004 http://www.atmos-chem-phys-discuss.net/4/3669/2004/ http://www.atmos-chem-phys-discuss.net/4/3669/2004/acpd-4-3669-2004.html http://www.atmos-chem-phys-discuss.net/4/3669/2004/acpd-4-3669-2004.pdf 3669 3698 2004-07-01 A new convective cloud field model based on principles of self-organisation F. J. Nober fjn23@cam.ac.uk H. F. Graf Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom A new cumulus convection parameterisation is presented in this paper. The parameterisation uses an explicit spectral approach and determines, unlike other convection schemes, for each convection event a new cloud distribution function regarding to the given vertical temperature and humidity profiles. This is done by using a one-dimensional cloud model to create a spectrum of different clouds. The interaction between all non convective physical processes in the AGCM and all different clouds is taken into account to calculate a self consistent cloud spectrum. The model has been implemented in the ECHAM5 AGCM and tested against a large eddy simulation model. The representation of a shallow cumulus cloud field by the AGCM could be much improved. Diurnal cycle, cloud cover, liquid water path and the vertical structure of the mass flux, determined by the new convection scheme are close to the large eddy simulation, whereas the standard convection scheme failed in simulating this convection episode.