Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-6312
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-6312
20 Mar 2026
 | 20 Mar 2026
Status: this preprint is open for discussion and under review for Geoscientific Model Development (GMD).

Stochastic perturbation of inputs to parametrisation schemes machine-learnt from high-resolution model variability

Helena Reid and Cyril Julien Morcrette

Abstract. Stochastic parametrisation schemes represent sources of uncertainty in atmospheric model and several types of these schemes are in widespread use in general circulation models across a variety of temporal and spatial resolutions. We introduce a new stochastic scheme for use in global atmospheric models, which uses a machine learning model trained on high-resolution convection-permitting simulation data to estimate properties of the distribution of subgrid variability in potential temperature. This then informs the profile of  stochastic perturbations being applied to the inputs of traditional parametrisation schemes. This scheme is tested in single column model experiments over the tropical west Pacific and is shown to improve model performance in this case.

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Helena Reid and Cyril Julien Morcrette

Status: open (until 15 May 2026)

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Helena Reid and Cyril Julien Morcrette

Data sets

CRMML Cyril Morcrette https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13332843

Model code and software

LFRic atmospheric model UK Met Office https://github.com/MetOffice/lfric_apps/

ENNUF machine learning translator Helena Reid, Theano Xirouchaki, Joana Rodrigues, and Cyril Morcrette https://github.com/MetOffice/ennuf

Helena Reid and Cyril Julien Morcrette
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Latest update: 20 Mar 2026
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Short summary
Atmospheric models used for weather and climate benefit from representing the random effects of processes that are too small to be resolved by the model. Here, very detailed simulations are used to learn about the amount of variability that would be expected in a coarser model. We then use machine learning techniques to predict that fine-scale variability and show that including these predictions improve some idealised simulations over the tropical ocean.
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