Models for Multiscale Interactions I: A multicloud model parameterization

In this chapter, we present a model parameterization for organized tropical convection and convectively coupled tropical waves. The model is based on the main three cloud types: congestus, deep, and stratifrom that are observed to play an important role in the dynamics and morphology of tropical convective systems. The model is based on the self-similarity across scales of tropical convective systems and uses physically sound theory about the mutual interactions between the three cloud types and the evironment. Both linear analysis and numerical simulations of convectively coupled waves and the Madden-Julian oscilation are discussed.