Growing computational capabilities have made running large-domain, real-world, atmospheric large-eddy simulation (LES) runs increasingly common. They enable better understanding of interrelated boundary layer and cloud processes that vex coarser grid atmospheric models that rely entirely on parameterizations of these processes.

This session focuses on the past and future of mega-LES of the atmosphere. What have we learned scientifically from large-domain LES about clouds, the boundary layer, and improved parameterizations? What has been learned from large LES (in resolution and domain size) that smaller LES cannot address? How must we adapt the models to better meet our research questions? How can observational strategies be designed and implemented to evaluate these detailed simulations? What is needed to better utilize this computational framework in the future, both scientifically and technically? And, what are best practices for generating and making available these large datasets?

• AMS: American Meteorological Society -