Objective
Problems to be solved
Current climate models contain important deficiencies in the representation of cloud systems. Well known symptoms, when comparing model simulation of the present climate with observations, is the lack of stratocumulus over the ocean, of incorrect diurnal cycle of cumulus and precipitating deep convection over continents, and lack of sensitivity of deep convection development to the moisture profile. Clouds remain one of the largest sources of uncertainty in climate change predictions.
Scientific objectives and approach
The strategy to address these issues is based on the use of the hierarchy of models and observations to integrate cloud studies across the full range of scales. Numerical models range from General Circulation Models (GCM) through Single Column models (SCM) to Cloud Resolving Models (CRM) and Large Eddy Simulations (LES). Observations, which will be used, vary from global satellite measurements to local observations of individual clouds through lidar and millimetric radar. A comprehensive 4-D database will be established using several LES models and CRMs of specific cases. These cases relate to the critical problems noted above associated with the prediction of clouds in regional and global climate and Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) models. The LES/CRM datasets will be used to investigate deficiencies in climate and NWP models using 9 different SCMs as a test bed. Specific issues to be addressed will be the general failure of regional and global models to predict stratocumulus amounts, the diurnal triggering of boundary layer convection and deep precipitating convection over land, and the lack of sensitivity of deep convection development on moisture profile in these models. Once reasons for deficiencies have been identified, physically based corrections will be introduced in SCMs and GCMs. The project will aim to improve climate and NWP models ability to represent both the mean structure (horizontally and vertically) and time variability of cloud water and amount for the critical cases defined above. Six different European climate models will participate.
Expected impacts
The results will help narrowing the uncertainties in global and regional climate models and climate predictions. The results will also be important for weather prediction and may contribute to better forecast of severe precipitation events and flooding.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences atmospheric sciences meteorology
- natural sciences computer and information sciences databases
- natural sciences physical sciences classical mechanics fluid mechanics fluid dynamics
- engineering and technology electrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineering information engineering telecommunications radio technology radar
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences atmospheric sciences climatology climatic changes
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
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Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Coordinator
31057 TOULOUSE
France
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.