Abstract

Resolving the entire range of spatial scales - from cloud microscale to climate - will never be possible in numerical models. For processes near each of the scale discussed here, there are multiscale interactions that still cannot be resolved by the "direct numerical simulation" approach. Knowled... Show moreResolving the entire range of spatial scales - from cloud microscale to climate - will never be possible in numerical models. For processes near each of the scale discussed here, there are multiscale interactions that still cannot be resolved by the "direct numerical simulation" approach. Knowledge developed at one scale can be subsequently used in modeling larger scales. For instance, the impact of small-scale turbulence on droplet growth can be parameterized in LES models, where small-scale turbulent motions are not resolved. LES studies can guide development of subgrid-scale parameterizations that need to be included in lower-spatial resolution models. This is the concept of "hierarchical" approach, the only hope to cover the entire range of scales relevant to climate. Show less