Simulation of the annual cycle of climate with a thermodynamic numerical model

Abstract

A hemispheric thermodynamic numerical model which includes parameterized dynamics is presented, in which the annual cycle of the surface albedo is generated internally, together with mid-tropospheric temperature, continental ground temperature, and short and long wave radiation. The model also includes as variables the anomalies of the following: surface ocean temperature, evaporation at the surface, sensible heat given off from the surface to the atmosphere, heat of condensation of water vapor in the clouds, the horizontal extent of cloudiness and the horizontal wind. The computed values of the annual cycle of surface albedo, 700-mb temperatures and components of the radiation budget, show a generally good agreement with observed values.