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 Respon se Experiment. Two physically distinct periods are chosen, namely, a convec tively disturbed period (19-24 December 1992) and an undisturbed period (7- 12 January 1993). The predicted enthalpy is underestimated during the distu rbed period but is closer to the observed value during the undisturbed peri od. The enthalpy is more sensitive to estimated errors in the large-scale f orcing than to the radiative flux and surface heat flux during these two pe riods as well as during the entire C-month period (1 November 1992-28 Febru ary 1993). The objective analyses used in estimates of large-scale forcing can strongly affect the prediction of enthalpy, especially during the perio d of strong convective precipitation.