Evaluation of large-scale forcing during TOGA COARE for cloud-resolving models and single-column models

A moist enthalpy analysis is conducted to evaluate the large-scale forcing during the Tropical Ocean Global Atmosphere Coupled Ocean-Atmosphere Response Experiment. Two physically distinct periods are chosen, namely, a convectively disturbed period (19-24 December 1992) and an undisturbed period (7-12 January 1993). The predicted enthalpy is underestimated during the disturbed period but is closer to the observed value during the undisturbed period. The enthalpy is more sensitive to estimated errors in the large-scale forcing than to the radiative flux and surface heat flux during these two periods as well as during the entire C-month period (1 November 1992-28 February 1993). The objective analyses used in estimates of large-scale forcing can strongly affect the prediction of enthalpy, especially during the period of strong convective precipitation.