In global models of the atmosphere convection is parameterised, sincethe typical scale of this process is smaller than the model resolution.Here we address some of the uncertainties arising from the selection ofdifferent algorithms to simulate this process. Four differentparameterisations for atmospheric convection, all used instate-of-the-art models, are implemented in the model systemECHAM5/MESSy for a consistent inter-comparison and evaluation againstobservations. Relatively large differences are found in the simulatedprecipitation patterns, whereas simulated water vapour columnsdistributions are quite similar and close to observations. The effectson the hydrological cycle and on the simulated meteorological conditionsare discussed.
展开▼
