Mechanics and thermodynamics of a new minimal model of the atmosphere

Vissio, G. and Lucarini, V. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9392-1471 (2020) Mechanics and thermodynamics of a new minimal model of the atmosphere. The European Physical Journal Plus, 135 (10). 807. ISSN 2190-5444 doi: 10.1140/epjp/s13360-020-00814-w

Abstract/Summary

The understanding of the fundamental properties of the climate system has long benefitted from the use of simple numerical models able to parsimoniously represent the essential ingredients of its processes. Here, we introduce a new model for the atmosphere that is constructed by supplementing the now-classic Lorenz ’96 one-dimensional lattice model with temperature-like variables. The model features an energy cycle that allows for energy to be converted between the kinetic form and the potential form and for introducing a notion of efficiency. The model’s evolution is controlled by two contributions—a quasi-symplectic and a gradient one, which resemble (yet not conforming to) a metriplectic structure. After investigating the linear stability of the symmetric fixed point, we perform a systematic parametric investigation that allows us to define regions in the parameters space where at steady-state stationary, quasi-periodic, and chaotic motions are realised, and study how the terms responsible for defining the energy budget of the system depend on the external forcing injecting energy in the kinetic and in the potential energy reservoirs. Finally, we find preliminary evidence that the model features extensive chaos. We also introduce a more complex version of the model that is able to accommodate for multiscale dynamics and that features an energy cycle that more closely mimics the one of the Earth’s atmosphere.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/93347
Identification Number/DOI	10.1140/epjp/s13360-020-00814-w
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Science > School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences > Department of Mathematics and Statistics Interdisciplinary Research Centres (IDRCs) > Centre for the Mathematics of Planet Earth (CMPE)
Publisher	Springer
Download/View statistics	View download statistics for this item