Variable-Resolution Simulations with the DOE Energy, Exascale, Earth System Model (E3SM)

Mark R Petersen1, Xylar Asay-Davis2, Steven Brus1, Darren Engwirda3, Kristin Hoch1, Mathew E Maltrud1, Andrew Roberts1, Kevin L Rosa4, Luke Van Roekel5, Jon Wolfe1 and Phillip J. Wolfram Jr1, (1)Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM, United States, (2)Los Alamos National Laboratory, Fluid Dynamics and Solid Mechanics Group, Los Alamos, NM, United States, (3)Los Alamos National Laboratory, New York City, United States, (4)University of Rhode Island, Narragansett, RI, United States, (5)Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, United States
Abstract:
The Energy, Exascale, Earth System Model (E3SM) consists of components that may be run on global variable-resolution meshes. The ocean, sea ice, and land ice components are based on the Model for Prediction Across Scales (MPAS). Here we present results from global simulations that include high-resolution regions, such as a North American coastal-refined mesh and Southern Ocean-refined meshes. Grid cells vary from 60km at midlatitudes to 5-10km in refined regions. We will discuss how choices in the mesh design can influence simulation results; the trade-off between simulation quality and throughput; what may be gained with refinement in particular regions; and how parameterizations are applied in variable-resolution simulations. Standard model metrics are compared with global high-resolution simulations and observations. Of particular interest are coastal regions and ocean cavities below ice shelves, where the representation of physical processes can be greatly improved by further mesh refinement.
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