The Multi-Plume Eddy-Diffusivity/Mass-Flux (EDMF) Unified Parameterization: Stratocumulus and the Transition to Cumulus Boundary Layers
The primary objective of this project is to mitigate inaccuracies and biases in subtropical boundary layer clouds, particularly in oceanic upwelling regions. Our approach began with developing a novel unified boundary layer and convection parameterization, utilizing the multi-plume Eddy-Diffusivity/Mass-Flux (EDMF) framework. We evaluated this advanced stochastic multi-plume EDMF parameterization in an independent single-column model (SCM), benchmarking it against Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) reference data and satellite observations. This version of the EDMF is designed to seamlessly represent a continuum of convective processes, from dry and cloudy boundary layer convection to deep moist convection. We progressed by integrating the stochastic multi-plume EDMF scheme into the Simple Cloud-Resolving E3SM (Energy Exascale Earth System Model) Atmosphere model (SCREAM), coupling it with the SHOC (Simplified Higher-Order Closure) turbulence and convection scheme. This combined approach was then evaluated against LES reference data for both maritime and continental shallow convection within the E3SM SCM.