The Relation between Moist Convective Adjustment Schemes and the Mass-Flux Concept for Cumulus Parameterization

Abstract

The problem of finding convective mass fluxes and convective condensation rates in moist convective adjustment schemes for cumulus parameterization in numerical weather prediction is addressed. Formal considerations reveal that, in general, it is impossible to directly subdivide convective adjustment increments, invoked by the particular reference profile imposed, into contributions from vertical convective transports and condensation in convective clouds. Furthermore, there does not exist, in general, a unique vertical mass-flux profile, which would consistently account for the increments of the various thermodynamic and water variables to be adjusted.