Reconciling and Improving Formulations for Thermodynamics and Conservation Principles in Earth System Models (ESMs)

Abstract This paper provides a comprehensive derivation of the total energy equations for atmospheric components Earth System Models (ESMs). The assumptions and approximations made in this are motivated discussed. In particular, it is emphasized that closing budget conceptually challenging hard to achieve practice without resorting ad hoc fixers. As concrete example, terms diagnosed realistic climate simulation using global atmosphere model. largest errors example spurious dynamical core dissipation, thermodynamic inconsistencies (e.g., coupling parameterizations with host model) missing processes/terms associated falling precipitation evaporation enthalpy flux between components). latter two not, general, reduced by increasing horizontal resolution. They due incomplete dynamic formulations. Future research directions proposed reconcile improve thermodynamics formulations conservation principles.