Adjustment mechanisms in atmospheric models

The basic governing equations and the dynamical framework used in large-scale atmospheric models are briefly reviewed including a presentation of commonly used vertical coordinates. An overview of dynamical and physical adjustment mechanisms in the atmosphere with relatively short time scales and their possible modifications in models are then presented. The overview includes mutual adjustment of velocity and mass fields, instabilities under which the adjustment does not take place, and the effect of horizontal and vertical computational modes on the adjustment. The physical adjustment mechanisms in models, those due to PBL and condensation processes in particular, are also discussed.