Forecasting and general circulation results from finite element models

A 5‐level global model is described in which finite element methods are used to describe the variations of fields in the horizontal. Three versions of the model are used: two use velocity components as dependent variables but differ in horizontal resolution; the third uses stream function and velocity potential. The results show that the finite element models are competitive with existing finite difference models but proper comparison is difficult because of the large effect of certain special features of the models, for instance the treatment of the poles. The change in dependent variable has a much greater impact on the results than a change in resolution with no change in formulation.