Cloud-Resolving Model Development and Application Group (CRM-DAG)

Clouds and precipitation (rain and snow) play a crucial role weather event and climate change. For example, latent heat release associated with the development of cumulonimbus clouds is a major driver of severe weather events such as tropical cyclones and localized heavy rain. Clouds also govern the Earth's energy budget by reflecting solar radiation and simultaneously absorbing and re-emitting infrared radiation from the Earth's surface. Precipitation, a key component of the global water cycle, significantly affects regional climates, ecosystems, and water resources. However, how these microphysical processes of clouds and precipitation interact with larger-scale weather event and climate change has not been fully elucidated.

To address these scientific challenges, our group promotes the development and application of "cloud-resolving models" that incorporate detailed microphysical processes of clouds and precipitation. By utilizing supercomputers such as the "Earth Simulator“, we conduct high-resolution numerical simulations capable of seamlessly and realistically reproducing phenomena across a wide range of spatiotemporal scales - from individual cumulus convection to global atmospheric circulation. Furthermore, we utilize diverse observational data from research vessels, satellites, and other platforms to evaluate and improve the models.

Our recent research and development are shown in the figure below. In addition to these activities, we have started the development of next-generation weather and climate models leveraging AI (Artificial Intelligence). Through close collaboration with domestic and international joint research projects and related research communities, our group aims to contribute to deepening our understanding of weather and climate, while also realizing disaster prevention, mitigation, and a sustainable society.

Figure: Recent research and development

Glossary

Weather and climate model: An application that simulates weather and climate through calculating various elements based on the laws of physics. It incorporates components such as atmospheric and oceanic models, depending on the target.
Cloud-resolving model: An atmospheric model capable of representing cumulus convection by using a horizontal mesh size of a few kilometers or less, while also explicitly calculating the physical processes of clouds and precipitation (rain and snow).

Cloud-Resolving Model Development and Application Group (CRM-DAG)

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