Some numerical properties of approaches to physics-dynamics coupling for NWP

At the present time there exist a number of different approaches to the problem of coupling parametrized physical processes to the dynamical core in operational numerical weather-prediction (NWP) and climate models. Motivated by the various strategies in use, some idealized representative coupling schemes are constructed and subsequently analysed using a methodology in which the physics and dynamics terms are represented in a simplified way. Particular numerical properties of the idealized schemes which are of interest are the ability to capture correct steady-state solutions and to be second-order accurate in time. In general, the schemes require specific choices for the time-differencing of certain coupled processes if correct steady-state solutions are to be obtained. This has implications for the overall numerical stability of a coupling strategy. An alternative physics-dynamics coupling approach is then described and analysed. A multiple-sweep predictor-corrector coupling scheme is shown to capture the correct steady-state solution and to allow for second-order accuracy, provided that the convective process is coupled explicitly. This approach has a number of advantages over those currently used in operational NWP models.