Models and Tasks for Initial Implementation

Exhibited on 2026/06/28
Last updated on 2026/08/02
Copyright(C)2026 jos <jos@kaleidoscheme.com> All rights reserved.

Here, we explain which models should be used when first implementing the RDC scheme. Although many researchers may prefer to use the practical/operational models with which they are familiar, doing so will not allow for the correct implementation of the RDC scheme. As described below, an appropriate model must be configured for each stage.

For the initial implementation, the ideal model is a small, simplified Radiative-Convective model, configured from a reliable, non-hydrostatic, cumulus-resolving atmospheric model or a fluid model, that can explicitly handle buoyancy and vertical flow. Using this type of model optimizes the implementation process, ensuring that the results obtained during RDC scheme implementation match those obtained when cumulus effect is explicitly calculated without the scheme.

Of course, while a hydrostatic model is acceptable as the final target model, using it during the initial implementation stage is disadvantageous because it prevents verification of the RDC scheme's accuracy.

As shown below, the implementation platform is a simple, small "sandbox" model. Once it is complete, simply port it into your large climate models. Therefore, you don’t need to modify your main project. Just try a new branch.

Models and Tasks for Each Stage of the RDC Implementation

1. First, by simplifying a reliable 3D non-hydrostatic atmospheric model [A] and strictly controlling the energy balance, configure a radiative-convective model [B]. In case of starting with a simple fluid model [A], we will adapt it into a radiative-convective model [B] of the Earth's atmosphere.

   There are three ways to configure the Radiative-Convective model:

   • an atmospheric model → Apply significant simplifications to your atmospheric model + add simple boundary conditions.
   • a fluid model → Incorporate Earth’s atmospheric processes from our Dynamical Convection Model (DCM) into your fluid model.
   • no existing models → We will build an R-C model from scratch.

   This Radiative-Convective model is so simple that it eliminates even cloud microphysics and dynamics other than cumulus convection. Since the RDC scheme operates through thermodynamics, its implementation package will also work in your operational model that includes these processes.

   outcome: The platform (the model [B]) for implementing the RDC scheme is now ready.




2. Use this radiative-convective model [B] to obtain the radiative-convective equilibrium state by integrating it over a long time period.

   [NOTE]
   Assuming a reliable non-hydrostatic model is available, the first two processes (1. constructing the RC model and 2. achieving RC equilibrium) should take no longer than 6 months.

   outcome: The atmospheric state for implementing the RDC scheme is now obtained within the model [B].




3. Implement the RDC scheme into the radiative-convective model [B] within the obtained radiative-convective equilibrium.
   
   This implementation process is actually a 3D RDC analysis within the model [B] atmosphere with the rigorously controlled energy balance.
   As we performed this analysis using 2D model atmospheres in our original studies, we can provide our detailed expertise and thoroughly guide through the implementing processes from stages 1. to 3.
   
   At this stage, it is advantageous to have staff who are well-versed in the numerical formulation of the model, horizontal area partitioning based on contour lines, and solving Poisson-type boundary value problems within arbitrarily shaped regions.

   outcome: The implemention code for the RDC scheme is now complete within the model [B].




4. The following aspects cannot currently be determined solely from the RDC scheme theory:

   • the time interval Δt_R for RDC calculations
   • contrast for horizontal surface segmentation with respect to the radiative cooling rate distribution.
   These aspects of the RDC scheme implementation must be determined by comparing the results with and without the RDC scheme implementation within the model [B].

   [NOTE]
   Although it depends on the coding progress of the RDC scheme computation, we plan to complete all the processes (from 1. to 4.) of implementing the RDC scheme within a couple of years. This timeframe could be still shortened by involving developers who are well-versed in field physics calculations (i.e., partitioning horizontal area and solving boundary-value problems).

   outcome: The theoretically-unknown aspects are now determined within the model [B].




5. Port the RDC scheme implementation obtained through 3. and 4. into the target practical/operational model [C].
   
   The target model [C] does not need to be non-hydrostatic. Rather, it is particularly effective for models that have previously incorporated the effects of cumulus clouds through cumulus parameterization. The cumulus parameterization existing in the target model [C] can be replaced with the newly established RDC scheme implementation.
   Please note that the RDC scheme implementation optimized in the radiative-convective model [B] will be able to be integrated into the target model [C] seamlessly without requiring major modifications, as long as the physical (especially, radiative and thermodynamic) calculations do not differ significantly between the models [B] and [C].

   outcome: The RDC scheme is now integrated in the target model [C].

This unique implementation approach is possible because RDC is the circulation fundamentally required to maintain a Radiative-Convective Equilibrium (RCE) atmosphere. It works universally, even if complex processes are included in the target atmospheric model.

Since the core work involved in implementing the RDC scheme from stages 1. through 4. is carried out within a sandbox model rather than a full-featured climate model, the implementation costs would be extremely low, compared to the complex, endless parameter tuning that takes thousands of elements into account. This implementation should only use a small portion of your computer resources. Furthermore, since the RDC scheme calculation confirms the energy balance everytime, it avoids the chaotic structural drift often seen during large-scale model tuning.

As mentioned above, we are experienced in ALL of the aforementioned working processes using 2D atmospheres. We plan to collaborate directly with teams that have the potential to be the first to implement the RDC scheme. Please consider joining the RDC project.

[NOTE]
You can easily verify beforehands the presence of RDC in any of the models by following How to Easily Verify the Presence of RDC in Your Atmospheric Model, based on the model’s time-averaged output values. However, please note that, if the target model [C] is hydrostatic and uses a Dynamical Detrainment parameterization that does not strictly account for the thermodynamic balance outside the cumulus domain, the expected relationship may be compromised.