Higher-order finite-volume flux operators for transport algorithms used within Runge–Kutta time integration schemes on irregular Voronoi (hexagonal) meshes are proposed and tested. These operators are generalizations of third- and fourth-order operators currently used in atmospheric models employing regular, orthogonal rectangular meshes. Two-dimensional least squares fit polynomials are used to evaluate the higher-order spatial derivatives needed to cancel the leading-order truncation error terms of the standard second-order centered formulation. Positive definite or monotonic behavior is achieved by applying an appropriate limiter during the final Runge–Kutta stage within a given time step. The third- and fourth-order formulations are evaluated using standard transport tests on the sphere. The new schemes are more accurate and significantly more efficient than the standard second-order scheme and other schemes in the literature examined by the authors. The third-order formulation is equivalent to the fourth-order formulation plus an additional diffusion term that is proportional to the Courant number. An optimal value for the coefficient scaling this diffusion term is chosen based on qualitative evaluation of the test results. Improvements using the higher-order scheme in place of the traditional second-order centered approach are illustrated within 3D unstable baroclinic wave simulations produced using two global nonhydrostatic models employing spherical Voronoi meshes.
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