B. Finite difference equations of the model index previous next
B. Finite difference equations of the model

The outline of finite difference method adapted for our 2D model is as follows.

Space differencing
The finite difference form of governing equations of the model are considered on the Lorenz type staggered grid. The space differencing is evaluated by the forth order centered scheme for scalar advection terms (potential tenperature, dust mixing ratio, turbulent kinetic energy) and the continuity equation. The second order centered scheme is used for momentum advection, pressure gradient, turbulent diffusion, gravitational settling of dust. The numerical diffusion is introduced to the equation of motion, turbulent kinetic energy equation, and advection diffusion equation of dust so that the 2-grid noise associated with central finite differencing can be suppressed. The numerical diffusion in equation of motion is proportional to the squared wind shear and that in turbulent kinetic energy equation and advection diffusion equation of dust is proportional to the third power of Laplace operator.

The space differencing in the radiative transfer equation and the thermal conduction equation of ground temperature is also evaluated by the second order centered scheme. The vertical integral in calculating CO2 infrared radiative flux is evaluated by the trapezoidal rule.

Time differencing
The time integration is performed by the leap-frog scheme for advection and buoyancy terms and the forward scheme for turbulent diffusion and forcing terms. The forward scheme is also adapted once per 20 steps for advection and buoyancy terms to stabilized numerical solution. The radiative flux associated with dust is given by iteration method of the matrix equation, where the number of iteration is 4. The time integration of 1D thermal conduction equation of ground surface is performed by the Crank-Nicolson scheme.

In the following sections, the subscripts $i,j$ show horizontal and vertical grid point, and the superscripts show time step. The number of vertical grid level is $J$. The scalar and basic state variables are evaluated on the grid point and the other variables are evaluated on the half grid point (see Figure 1). and are the horizontal and vertical grid intervals, and is the time interval.


  1. Atmospheric model
    1. Equation of motion
    2. Thermodynamic equation
    3. Diagnostic equation of pressure function
    4. Basic state equations
  2. Turbulent parameterization
    1. Subgrid turbulent mixing parameterization
    2. Surface flux parameterization
  3. Dust transport
  4. Radiation
    1. Infrared radiation of atmospheric CO2
    2. Near infrared radiation of atmospheric CO2
    3. Solar radiation of dust
    4. Infrared radiation of dust
    5. Radiative heating rate
  5. Ground surface


A numerical simulation of thermal convection in the Martian lower atmosphere.
Odaka, Nakajima, Ishiwatari, Hayashi,   Nagare Multimedia 2001
index previous next