A new convective adjustment scheme. Part I: Observational and theoretical basis.

A new convective adjustment scheme is proposed, based on the simultaneous relaxation of temperature and moisture fields towards observed quasi-equilibrium thermodynamic structures, with a relaxation time of order two hours. Separate schemes are used for deep and shallow (non-precipitating) convection.

Related paper: Betts, A. K., 1982: Saturation Point Analysis of Moist Convective Overturning.

Related paper: Betts, A. K., 1982: Cloud Thermodynamic Models in Saturation Point Coordinates.

Related paper: Betts, A. K., 1983: Thermodynamics of mixed stratocumulus layers: saturation point budgets.

Related paper: Betts, A. K., 1984: Boundary layer thermodynamics of a High Plains severe storm

Related paper: Betts, A. K., 1985: Mixing line analysis of clouds and cloudy boundary layers

Related paper: Betts, A. K. and M.J. Miller, 1986: A new convective adjustment scheme. Part II