Comparison of Global Mesoscale Convective System Simulations in a Global Storm-Resolving Model and a High-Resolution General Circulation Model Journal of Climate

This study compares the characteristics of global mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) simulated in a global storm-resolving model (GSRM) and a high-resolution (∼25-km) general circulation model (GCM), both developed at the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory. By comparing with two satellite datasets, we examine the spatial distribution, seasonal/diurnal cycles, and event-based features such as duration, size, intensity, and propagation of MCSs across six global hotspots. MCS-related precipitation features and their contribution to the total precipitation are also analyzed. Our results show that both models effectively capture the observed spatial patterns and seasonal cycles of MCSs, although notable differences exist in absolute values, particularly in the GCM. Both models not only simulate event-based statistics but also show large geographical variations with an overall tendency to produce longer-lasting and larger MCSs. The GSRM performs better in simulating MCS diurnal cycle and MCS intensity. While both models replicate spatial patterns of MCS-related precipitation, they struggle with accurately capturing intensity, and their contributions to total precipitation vary. This comparison highlights strengths and limitations of these two types of models, calling for further process-level investigation of model deficiencies and a detailed evaluation of observations due to dataset discrepancies. Grant no. NA16NWS4620043 Grant no. NA18NWS4620043B Grant no. NA18OAR4320123 Grant no. NA19OAR0220146 Grant no. NA19OAR0220147