Daniel Rothenberg joined the CMMAP internship program from Cornell University
where he is a junior in atmospheric science. He worked with Professor David
Randall and research scientist Ross Heikes modifying a baroclinic instability
test case to test a climate model dynamical core.
Because the hydrostatic assumption made in formulating the typical quasi-static
system of equations tends to distort small-scale motions such as turbulence and
convection, it is desirable in some applications to utilize a non-hydrostatic
system of equations. The anelastic system - one designed to filter sound waves
without invoking hydrostatic balance - was utilized at Colorado State University
to develop a dynamical core based on a geodesic grid. To test this dynamical
core, the baroclinic instability test case designed by Jablonowski and
Williamson (2006) was modified for use in the anelastic sytem and performed
here.
During Daniel's perturbation version of the test, errors associated with grid
seams developed and caused the expected baroclinic wave to distort and break
prematurely. Similarly, an error with wavenumber 5 developed in the
mid-latitudes during the steady state version of the test, suggesting this error
is associated with the underlying model grid. Using an optimized grid reduced
this error but did not eliminate it. Daniel said that results indicate that
further work is necessary to refine and improve the anelastic dynamical core
used here. Daniel's research poster is here:
A Baroclinic Instability Test Case on an Anelastic Dynamical Core,
13MB PDF)
Daniel's research interests include climate modeling and climate dynamics,
specifically, in helping develop the next generation of climate models that
will allow us to run higher resolution simulations and include more
environmental processes.
Outside of his studies, Daniel is a violinist for the Cornell Symphony Orchestra & chamber ensembles. His other hobbies include music, acoustic finger-style
guitar, managing an indie rock band called Weggalo Star, skiing, backpacking,
relaxing with friends, the show LOST, programming projects.
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