UA-ICON Current-Climate Simulations with Localized Gravity Wave Forcing Sensitivity Experiments
Acronym
CC-LGWF
Name
UA-ICON Current-Climate Simulations with Localized Gravity Wave Forcing Sensitivity Experiments
Description
This project investigates the role of gravity waves (GWs) in shaping middle atmosphere dynamics under present-day climate conditions. Specifically, it explores how localized GW forcing in Northern Hemisphere hotspot regions, including the Himalayas, East Asia, and North America, affects the circulation in the middle atmosphere and the vertical coupling between atmospheric layers. This includes the Arctic stratospheric polar vortex and its downward influence on polar and midlatitude climate. The project employs the UA-ICON high-top general circulation model in a long-term ensemble simulation setup. These ensemble simulations provide a robust basis for assessing the climatic impacts of regionally intensified GW forcing, including its influence on the polar vortex state—such as sudden stratospheric warmings, exceptionally strong vortex events associated with the ozone hole, and vertical coupling between atmospheric layers. The project aims to improve understanding of how spatially localized, non-zonal dynamical forcings in the stratosphere can drive remote climate effects. This contributes to reducing uncertainties in climate predictions by revealing key mechanisms linking regional GW activity to large-scale atmospheric variability. The project is funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) through grant No. KA 5835/3-1 (https://gepris.dfg.de/gepris/projekt/516378721) and through Project Number 268020496 – TRR 172, within the Transregional Collaborative Research Center “Arctic Amplification: Climate Relevant Atmospheric and Surface Processes, and Feedback Mechanisms (AC)³” (https://ac3-tr.com/). This work utilized resources of the Deutsches Klimarechenzentrum (DKRZ), granted by its Scientific Steering Committee (WLA) under project ID bb1438.