Simulation Experiments of Global Lightning Distributions by a Coupled GCM
利用GCM模式对全球雷电活动的模拟分析

A general circulation model (GCM) system nested into the parameterizations that relate the depth of convective clouds to lightning frequencies is established and used to study model global lightning distributions and frequencies. The gridded data from NCEP are used to verify the perform- ance of the above model system. The verification shows that the system is stably integrated with good performance. The model can globally simulate main circulation at high altitude area and land surface pressure, so can be used to study climate change and variation. The lighting--cloud height parameterizations are nested into GCM, the preliminary simulations show that the nested system can reproduce the main spatial and temporal characteristics and changes of global lightning. The annualy mean global lightning frequency in the model is 79 flashes per second, with a land--ocean ratio of 12.2, and the maximum global lightning activities occur during the Northern Hemisphere summer. The model's lightning climatology is compared with available observations, and statistical tests show there is a good agreement.