A convective kinematic trajectory technique for low-resolution atmosphericmodels

This paper presents a simple methodology to take into account the subgrid e ffects of wet convective processes to trace vertical motion of air parcels for low-resolution atmospheric models. Such models are used for wind field simulations that serve as input for trajectory models. Air parcels in moist convective regions can thus be vertically transported to the cumulus top l evel with the short timescale associated with cumulus updrafts. Two cases a re presented: wet and dry seasons in Amazonia, showing the differences of t rajectories followed by air parcels with and without the methodology. The i mplications for the interpretation of air chemistry measurements are discus sed, and an example using LBA/CLAIRE data is used to point out the usefulne ss of the convective kinematic trajectory technique presented here.