Significant Imprints of Vertical Resolution on Scale Interactions in the Global Model for Prediction Across Scales

Abstract Global kilometer‐scale model simulations have demonstrated clear benefits from refining horizontal resolution in representing mesoscale weather phenomena, yet the role of vertical resolution remains comparatively underexplored. To address this gap, 40‐day experiments with the model for prediction across scales systematically varied both horizontal and vertical grid spacing. Horizontal refinement had minimal impact on kinetic energy (KE) at mesoscale wavelengths, whereas refinements in vertical resolution led to intensified KE transfer between the mesoscales and synoptic scales. This enhanced coupling was spatially connected to Rossby wave‐like features. The results show that vertical resolution impinges on the mesoscale KE spectrum, substantially influencing the kinematics of the mid‐latitude upper‐troposphere, and underscoring the importance of carefully prescribing vertical grid spacing in high‐resolution global models.

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Publication Details

Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
Published
2026-09-11
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1029/2026gl123871
Primary Topic
Meteorological Phenomena and Simulations
Type
article
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article

Significant Imprints of Vertical Resolution on Scale Interactions in the Global Model for Prediction Across Scales

Daniel Shipley, Alexander Lojko, Elliot McKinnon-Gray, William Skamarock
Geophysical Research Letters
Meteorological Phenomena and Simulations
article

Significant Imprints of Vertical Resolution on Scale Interactions in the Global Model for Prediction Across Scales

Daniel Shipley, Alexander Lojko, Elliot McKinnon-Gray, William Skamarock
article en

Abstract

Abstract Global kilometer‐scale model simulations have demonstrated clear benefits from refining horizontal resolution in representing mesoscale weather phenomena, yet the role of vertical resolution remains comparatively underexplored. To address this gap, 40‐day experiments with the model for prediction across scales systematically varied both horizontal and vertical grid spacing. Horizontal refinement had minimal impact on kinetic energy (KE) at mesoscale wavelengths, whereas refinements in vertical resolution led to intensified KE transfer between the mesoscales and synoptic scales. This enhanced coupling was spatially connected to Rossby wave‐like features. The results show that vertical resolution impinges on the mesoscale KE spectrum, substantially influencing the kinematics of the mid‐latitude upper‐troposphere, and underscoring the importance of carefully prescribing vertical grid spacing in high‐resolution global models.

Geophysical Research LettersVol. 53(18)
NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research (US), University of Reading (GB)
Climate action
Openalex Percentile: Top 15%
Meteorological Phenomena and Simulations
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Significant Imprints of Vertical Resolution on Scale Interactions in the Global Model for Prediction Across Scales — Daniel Shipley, Alexander Lojko, et al. · Geophysical Research Letters (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS