We at the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL) have recently completed Project TERRA. Project TERRA was conceived as a 1-day simulation with the cloud-resolving nonhydrostatic ZETAC. This model is the first Global Mesoscale Circulation Model (GMCM) run at GFDL and perhaps the first global cloud-resolving model run anywhere that uses a grid resolution of 10-12Km. Cloud distributions are of great importance in weather and climate. The correct distribution of latent heat produced by the moist convection feeds directly into the dynamics that generate weather systems. The vertical distribution of clouds is also of paramount importance in determining the radiative characteristics of the atmosphere, which critically affect climate and climate change. The figure shows the instantaneous liquid water content in the column. enlarge figure

The evolution of the cyclone-frontal system over 7 days (every 2 hours) can be seen in this animation.

The cloud evolution along the frontal system can be seen in this short animation.

The animations are very large files (about ~20 Mb.)