Numerical and experimental modelling of strongly rotating convection and phase changes, with applications to Numerical Weather Prediction

Accurate prediction of (rotating) convection is important in Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP). Convection is also coupled to the phase changes of water in the atmosphere and, hence, the notoriously difficult prediction of cloud dynamics and precipitation. The first aim of the project is to consider numerical modelling of convection under strong rotation. Both spectral and finite element type numerical discretisations will be developed/investigated, for models with and without phase changes, in idealised domains. The second aim of the project is to compare our modeling outcomes with preliminary laboratory Rayleigh-­â€Benard experiment, using a rotating platform in a fume cupboard with a tank filled with an inert gas (dry air) as well as iodine crystals and iodine vapor, with heating from below and cooling from the top.

Finally, we aim to collaborate with the existing weather institutes and consulting firms in the UK, by extending our current contacts. The work is inspired by and related to convective (cloud) modeling in NWP. In essence the experimental set-­â€up and corresponding mathematical modeling concerns a small-­â€scale and idealized weather experiment.