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ACP | Articles | Volume 19, issue 3
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 1785-1799, 2019
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-1785-2019
© Author(s) 2019. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-1785-2019
© Author(s) 2019. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 1785-1799, 2019
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-1785-2019
© Author(s) 2019. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-1785-2019
© Author(s) 2019. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Research article 08 Feb 2019
Research article | 08 Feb 2019
Turbulent enhancement of radar reflectivity factor for polydisperse cloud droplets
Keigo Matsuda and Ryo OnishiRelated authors
No articles found.
Yuichi Kunishima and Ryo Onishi
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 16619-16630, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-16619-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-16619-2018, 2018
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This paper shows the tracking simulation of motions and growth of the entire cloud particles, including aerosols and rain drops, in vertically developing clouds. A cutting-edge direct simulation code (i.e., the Lagrangian cloud simulator) has been run for an extremely vertically elongated three-dimensional domain, with 1 cm in width and 3 km in depth. This unique domain makes the computation-demanding simulation feasible and has led to the success of the present full tracking simulation.
Masuo Nakano, Akiyoshi Wada, Masahiro Sawada, Hiromasa Yoshimura, Ryo Onishi, Shintaro Kawahara, Wataru Sasaki, Tomoe Nasuno, Munehiko Yamaguchi, Takeshi Iriguchi, Masato Sugi, and Yoshiaki Takeuchi
Geosci. Model Dev., 10, 1363-1381, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-10-1363-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/gmd-10-1363-2017, 2017
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Three 7 km mesh next-generation global models and a 20 km mesh conventional global model were run to improve tropical cyclone (TC) prediction. The 7 km mesh models reduce systematic errors in the TC track, intensity and wind radii predictions. However, the simulated TC structures and their intensities in each case are very different for each model. These results suggest that the development of more sophisticated initialization techniques and model physics is needed to further improvement.
Ryo Onishi and Axel Seifert
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 12441-12455, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-12441-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-12441-2016, 2016
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This study includes massively parallel simulation results on droplet collisions in turbulence. The attained maximum Taylor-microscale-based Reynolds number (Re) exceeds 103, which steps into the typical range (O(103)–O(104)) of observed Re in turbulent clouds. The results clearly show that the Re dependence of turbulence enhancement on droplet collision growth is relevant for cloud microphysics modeling. This will promote the discussion on the Re dependence of turbulent collision statistics.
Axel Seifert and Ryo Onishi
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 16, 12127-12141, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-12127-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-16-12127-2016, 2016
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In this study we investigate the effect of turbulence on rain formation in shallow clouds. Several formulations of the collision kernel for turbulent flows using different turbulence models have been suggested in recent years. Here we compare two formulations and find that, although both give a significant increase in collision rate, the differences are quite large, especially for high Reynolds numbers as they are observed in clouds.
Related subject area
Subject: Clouds and Precipitation | Research Activity: Atmospheric Modelling | Altitude Range: Troposphere | Science Focus: Physics (physical properties and processes)
The role of low-level clouds in the West African monsoon system
Understanding aerosol–cloud interactions through modeling the development of orographic cumulus congestus during IPHEx
Impact of humidity biases on light precipitation occurrence: observations versus simulations
Subgrid variations of the cloud water and droplet number concentration over the tropical ocean: satellite observations and implications for warm rain simulations in climate models
Cloud-droplet growth due to supersaturation fluctuations in stratiform clouds
An evaluation of European nitrogen and sulfur wet deposition and their trends estimated by six chemistry transport models for the period 1990–2010
The efficacy of aerosol–cloud radiative perturbations from near-surface emissions in deep open-cell stratocumuli
Evaluation of autoconversion and accretion enhancement factors in general circulation model warm-rain parameterizations using ground-based measurements over the Azores
The relative impact of cloud condensation nuclei and ice nucleating particle concentrations on phase partitioning in Arctic mixed-phase stratocumulus clouds
Impact of upstream moisture structure on a back-building convective precipitation system in south-eastern France during HyMeX IOP13
Direct Lagrangian tracking simulation of droplet growth in vertically developing cloud
The effect of secondary ice production parameterization on the simulation of a cold frontal rainband
Global streamflow and flood response to stratospheric aerosol geoengineering
Large simulated radiative effects of smoke in the south-east Atlantic
The role of droplet sedimentation in the evolution of low-level clouds over southern West Africa
A numerical modelling investigation of the role of diabatic heating and cooling in the development of a mid-level vortex prior to tropical cyclogenesis – Part 1: The response to stratiform components of diabatic forcing
Aerosol as a potential factor to control the increasing torrential rain events in urban areas over the last decades
Investigating the impacts of Saharan dust on tropical deep convection using spectral bin microphysics
A model intercomparison of CCN-limited tenuous clouds in the high Arctic
Impact of gravity waves on the motion and distribution of atmospheric ice particles
Aerosol–cloud interactions in mixed-phase convective clouds – Part 2: Meteorological ensemble
Extreme temperature and precipitation response to solar dimming and stratospheric aerosol geoengineering
The importance of mixed-phase and ice clouds for climate sensitivity in the global aerosol–climate model ECHAM6-HAM2
Convective environment in pre-monsoon and monsoon conditions over the Indian subcontinent: the impact of surface forcing
Competition for water vapour results in suppression of ice formation in mixed-phase clouds
Cloud droplet size distribution broadening during diffusional growth: ripening amplified by deactivation and reactivation
Bridging the condensation–collision size gap: a direct numerical simulation of continuous droplet growth in turbulent clouds
Quantifying the effect of aerosol on vertical velocity and effective terminal velocity in warm convective clouds
Assessing the uncertainty of soil moisture impacts on convective precipitation using a new ensemble approach
The sensitivity of Alpine summer convection to surrogate climate change: an intercomparison between convection-parameterizing and convection-resolving models
Theoretical analysis of mixing in liquid clouds – Part IV: DSD evolution and mixing diagrams
Aerosol–cloud interactions in mixed-phase convective clouds – Part 1: Aerosol perturbations
Towards a bulk approach to local interactions of hydrometeors
Initiation of secondary ice production in clouds
Relating large-scale subsidence to convection development in Arctic mixed-phase marine stratocumulus
Regional simulation of Indian summer monsoon intraseasonal oscillations at gray-zone resolution
Response to marine cloud brightening in a multi-model ensemble
Effects of model resolution and parameterizations on the simulations of clouds, precipitation, and their interactions with aerosols
Multifractal evaluation of simulated precipitation intensities from the COSMO NWP model
Partitioning the primary ice formation modes in large eddy simulations of mixed-phase clouds
Data assimilation of GNSS zenith total delays from a Nordic processing centre
Sensitivity of surface temperature to radiative forcing by contrail cirrus in a radiative-mixing model
Stochastic coalescence in Lagrangian cloud microphysics
The influence of sea- and land-breeze circulations on the diurnal variability in precipitation over a tropical island
Large eddy simulation of radiation fog: impact of dynamics on the fog life cycle
Uncertainty from the choice of microphysics scheme in convection-permitting models significantly exceeds aerosol effects
The microphysics of clouds over the Antarctic Peninsula – Part 2: modelling aspects within Polar WRF
How do changes in warm-phase microphysics affect deep convective clouds?
Cloud albedo changes in response to anthropogenic sulfate and non-sulfate aerosol forcings in CMIP5 models
On the limits of Köhler activation theory: how do collision and coalescence affect the activation of aerosols?
Anke Kniffka, Peter Knippertz, and Andreas H. Fink
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 1623-1647, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-1623-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-1623-2019, 2019
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The role of low-level clouds in the southern West Africa (SWA) energy balance and the West African monsoon system is assessed via targeted sensitivity studies with the NWP model ICON. We show for the first time that rainfall over SWA depends logarithmically on the optical thickness of low clouds, as these control the diurnal evolution of the planetary boundary layer, vertical stability and finally convection. Small variations in clouds or aerosol have a substantial impact on precipitation.
Yajuan Duan, Markus D. Petters, and Ana P. Barros
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 1413-1437, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-1413-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-1413-2019, 2019
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A new cloud parcel model that simulates entrainment, condensational growth, and collision–coalescence processes is presented and evaluated against airborne observations in complex terrain during IPHEx. Analysis of model simulations reveals that nonlinear interactions among turbulent dispersion, activation, and droplet growth processes modulate spectral width and explain the emergence of bimodal cloud drop spectra in aircraft measurements from different cloud regions and at different heights.
Sophie Bastin, Philippe Drobinski, Marjolaine Chiriaco, Olivier Bock, Romain Roehrig, Clemente Gallardo, Dario Conte, Marta Domínguez Alonso, Laurent Li, Piero Lionello, and Ana C. Parracho
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 1471-1490, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-1471-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-1471-2019, 2019
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This paper uses colocated observations of temperature, precipitation and humidity to investigate the triggering of precipitation. It shows that there is a critical value of humidity above which precipitation picks up. This critical value depends on T and varies spatially. It also analyses how this dependency is reproduced in regional climate simulations over Europe. Models with too little and too light precipitation have both lower critical value of humidity and higher probability to exceed it.
Zhibo Zhang, Hua Song, Po-Lun Ma, Vincent E. Larson, Minghuai Wang, Xiquan Dong, and Jianwu Wang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 1077-1096, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-1077-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-1077-2019, 2019
Xiang-Yu Li, Gunilla Svensson, Axel Brandenburg, and Nils E. L. Haugen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 639-648, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-639-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-639-2019, 2019
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The broadening of droplet size distributions in stratiform clouds, where the updraft velocity is almost zero, is puzzling. Without turbulence, the classical treatment of condensational growth of cloud droplets fails to explain this
broadening. We investigated the time evolution of droplet size distributions using direct numerical simulations, where turbulence is resolved into the smallest scales. We found that the broadening is due to the turbulence-facilitated supersaturation fluctuations.
Mark R. Theobald, Marta G. Vivanco, Wenche Aas, Camilla Andersson, Giancarlo Ciarelli, Florian Couvidat, Kees Cuvelier, Astrid Manders, Mihaela Mircea, Maria-Teresa Pay, Svetlana Tsyro, Mario Adani, Robert Bergström, Bertrand Bessagnet, Gino Briganti, Andrea Cappelletti, Massimo D'Isidoro, Hilde Fagerli, Kathleen Mar, Noelia Otero, Valentin Raffort, Yelva Roustan, Martijn Schaap, Peter Wind, and Augustin Colette
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 19, 379-405, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-379-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-19-379-2019, 2019
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Model estimates of the mean European wet deposition of nitrogen and sulfur for 1990 to 2010 were within 40 % of the observed values. As a result of systematic biases, the models were better at estimating relative trends for the periods 1990–2000 and 2000–2010 than the absolute trends. Although the predominantly decreasing trends were mostly due to emission reductions, they were partially offset by other factors (e.g. changes in precipitation) during the first period, but not the second.
Anna Possner, Hailong Wang, Robert Wood, Ken Caldeira, and Thomas P. Ackerman
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 17475-17488, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-17475-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-17475-2018, 2018
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We quantify aerosol–cloud radiative interactions in a regime of deep open-cell stratocumuli (boundary layer depth 1.5 km), a regime which remains largely unexplored within this context and yet is more dominant than cases of shallow stratocumuli previously studied. We simulate substantial increases in albedo in a regime where ship tracks are not found and argue that such changes may escape detection and attribution through remote sensing due to the large natural variability in the system.
Peng Wu, Baike Xi, Xiquan Dong, and Zhibo Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 17405-17420, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-17405-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-17405-2018, 2018
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Prescribed autoconversion and accretion enhancement factors in GCM warm-rain parameterizations contribute partially to the too-frequent and too-light problem in precipitation simulation. The two factors should be regime- and resolution-dependent. A decreased autoconversion enhancement factor and increased accretion enhancement factor in the Morrison and Gettleman (2008) scheme can improve the simulated precipitation frequency and intensity. The two factors for other schemes are also suggested.
Amy Solomon, Gijs de Boer, Jessie M. Creamean, Allison McComiskey, Matthew D. Shupe, Maximilian Maahn, and Christopher Cox
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 17047-17059, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-17047-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-17047-2018, 2018
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The results of this study indicate that perturbations in ice nucleating particles (INPs) dominate over cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) perturbations in Arctic mixed-phase stratocumulus; i.e., an equivalent fractional decrease in CCN and INPs results in an increase in the cloud-top longwave cooling rate, even though the droplet effective radius increases and the cloud emissivity decreases. In addition, cloud-processing causes layering of aerosols with increased concentrations of CCN at cloud top.
Keun-Ok Lee, Cyrille Flamant, Fanny Duffourg, Véronique Ducrocq, and Jean-Pierre Chaboureau
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 16845-16862, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-16845-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-16845-2018, 2018
Yuichi Kunishima and Ryo Onishi
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 16619-16630, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-16619-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-16619-2018, 2018
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This paper shows the tracking simulation of motions and growth of the entire cloud particles, including aerosols and rain drops, in vertically developing clouds. A cutting-edge direct simulation code (i.e., the Lagrangian cloud simulator) has been run for an extremely vertically elongated three-dimensional domain, with 1 cm in width and 3 km in depth. This unique domain makes the computation-demanding simulation feasible and has led to the success of the present full tracking simulation.
Sylvia C. Sullivan, Christian Barthlott, Jonathan Crosier, Ilya Zhukov, Athanasios Nenes, and Corinna Hoose
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 16461-16480, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-16461-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-16461-2018, 2018
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Ice crystal formation in clouds can occur via thermodynamic nucleation, but also via mechanical collisions between pre-existing crystals or co-existing droplets. When descriptions of this mechanical ice generation are implemented into the COSMO weather model, we find that the contributions to crystal number from thermodynamic and mechanical processes are of the same order. Mechanical ice generation also intensifies differences in precipitation intensity between dynamic and quiescent regions.
Liren Wei, Duoying Ji, Chiyuan Miao, Helene Muri, and John C. Moore
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 16033-16050, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-16033-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-16033-2018, 2018
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We analyzed streamflow and flood frequency under the stratospheric aerosol geoengineering scenario simulated by climate models. Stratospheric aerosol geoengineering appears to reduce flood risk in most regions, but the overall effects are largely determined by the large-scale geographic pattern. Over the Amazon, stratospheric aerosol geoengineering ameliorates the drying trend here under a future warming climate.
Hamish Gordon, Paul R. Field, Steven J. Abel, Mohit Dalvi, Daniel P. Grosvenor, Adrian A. Hill, Ben T. Johnson, Annette K. Miltenberger, Masaru Yoshioka, and Ken S. Carslaw
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 15261-15289, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-15261-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-15261-2018, 2018
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Smoke from African fires is frequently transported across the Atlantic Ocean, where it interacts with clouds. We simulate the interaction of the smoke with the clouds, and the consequences of this for the solar radiation the clouds reflect. The simulations use a new regional configuration of the UK Met Office climate model. Our simulations indicate that the properties of the clouds, in particular their height and reflectivity, and the fractional cloud cover, are strongly affected by the smoke.
Christopher Dearden, Adrian Hill, Hugh Coe, and Tom Choularton
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 14253-14269, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-14253-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-14253-2018, 2018
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We perform computer simulations of the life cycle of low-lying clouds over southern West Africa during the monsoon season. Such clouds tend not to produce much precipitation, but they do affect the regional climate by modifying the amount of sunlight reaching the surface. The aim of this work is to understand the factors that influence the growth and break-up of these clouds. We show that the number of water droplets contained within the clouds affects how quickly they dissipate.
Melville E. Nicholls, Roger A. Pielke Sr., Donavan Wheeler, Gustavo Carrio, and Warren P. Smith
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 14393-14416, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-14393-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-14393-2018, 2018
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Mid-level vortices are often observed to develop prior to the formation of a tropical cyclone. A numerical modelling simulation of tropical cyclogenesis is carried out which shows the development of a mid-level vortex, and an analysis indicates that sublimation at the base of the stratiform ice layer plays a major role in its formation. Understanding how mid-level vortices form and their role in tropical cyclogenesis may eventually lead to improved forecasts of these major weather events.
Seoung Soo Lee, Byung-Gon Kim, Zhanqing Li, Yong-Sang Choi, Chang-Hoon Jung, Junshik Um, Jungbin Mok, and Kyong-Hwan Seo
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 12531-12550, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-12531-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-12531-2018, 2018
Matthew Gibbons, Qilong Min, and Jiwen Fan
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 12161-12184, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-12161-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-12161-2018, 2018
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The effects of dust aerosols on ice formation within a tropical Atlantic thunderstorm system were investigated using a 3-D weather model and compared with observations. Updated ice formation mechanisms directly connect available dust particles with ice particle formation. The resulting clouds were lower and narrower and produced less rain at the surface compared to cleaner conditions, due to ice formation occurring at warmer temperatures. These results agree well with observed changes.
Robin G. Stevens, Katharina Loewe, Christopher Dearden, Antonios Dimitrelos, Anna Possner, Gesa K. Eirund, Tomi Raatikainen, Adrian A. Hill, Benjamin J. Shipway, Jonathan Wilkinson, Sami Romakkaniemi, Juha Tonttila, Ari Laaksonen, Hannele Korhonen, Paul Connolly, Ulrike Lohmann, Corinna Hoose, Annica M. L. Ekman, Ken S. Carslaw, and Paul R. Field
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 11041-11071, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-11041-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-11041-2018, 2018
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We perform a model intercomparison of summertime high Arctic clouds. Observed concentrations of aerosol particles necessary for cloud formation fell to extremely low values, coincident with a transition from cloudy to nearly cloud-free conditions. Previous analyses have suggested that at these low concentrations, the radiative properties of the clouds are determined primarily by these particle concentrations. The model results strongly support this hypothesis.
Aurélien Podglajen, Riwal Plougonven, Albert Hertzog, and Eric Jensen
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 10799-10823, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-10799-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-10799-2018, 2018
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Using a simplified analytical setup, we show that the temperature and wind fluctuations due to an atmospheric gravity wave can induce a localization of ice crystals in a specific region of the wave. In that region, the air is nearly saturated and the vertical wind anomaly is positive. As a consequence, reversible gravity wave motions have an irreversible impact (mean upward motion) on the ice crystals. Our findings are consistent with observations of cirrus clouds near the tropical tropopause.
Annette K. Miltenberger, Paul R. Field, Adrian A. Hill, Ben J. Shipway, and Jonathan M. Wilkinson
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 10593-10613, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-10593-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-10593-2018, 2018
Duoying Ji, Songsong Fang, Charles L. Curry, Hiroki Kashimura, Shingo Watanabe, Jason N. S. Cole, Andrew Lenton, Helene Muri, Ben Kravitz, and John C. Moore
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 10133-10156, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-10133-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-10133-2018, 2018
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We examine extreme temperature and precipitation under climate-model-simulated solar dimming and stratospheric aerosol injection geoengineering schemes. Both types of geoengineering lead to lower minimum temperatures at higher latitudes and greater cooling of minimum temperatures and maximum temperatures over land compared with oceans. Stratospheric aerosol injection is more effective in reducing tropical extreme precipitation, while solar dimming is more effective over extra-tropical regions.
Ulrike Lohmann and David Neubauer
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 8807-8828, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-8807-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-8807-2018, 2018
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The climate is warming, at the current rate so much so that the 2 ºC target is likely to be exceeded. Uncertainty remains as to when the 2 ºC of warming will be reached. One factor contributing to this uncertainty is how clouds change in the warmer climate. While previously most emphasis was placed on how low clouds change in the warmer climate, here we investigate the importance of mixed-phase and ice clouds.
Lois Thomas, Neelam Malap, Wojciech W. Grabowski, Kundan Dani, and Thara V. Prabha
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 7473-7488, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-7473-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-7473-2018, 2018
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A thermodynamic parcel analysis of several high-resolution soundings from Pune, India, investigating pre-monsoon and monsoon conditions, is carried out in this study. A simple theoretical approach for cloud base height estimation is illustrated. Results illustrate the role of surface forcing in contrasting conditions of the pre-monsoon and monsoon. Large eddy simulations, observational data, and theoretical explanation are presented.
Emma L. Simpson, Paul J. Connolly, and Gordon McFiggans
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 7237-7250, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-7237-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-7237-2018, 2018
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This study explores the process of ice formation in clouds by conducting computer model simulations and laboratory experiments in a cloud chamber. We show that the formation of ice in clouds can be limited by the presence of atmospheric aerosol particles and that further research is required to identify the requirements for freezing, e.g. minimum mass of water, in order to accurately calculate ice formation and thus improve climate and weather prediction.
Fan Yang, Pavlos Kollias, Raymond A. Shaw, and Andrew M. Vogelmann
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 7313-7328, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-7313-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-7313-2018, 2018
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Cloud droplet size distribution (CDSD), which is related to cloud albedo and lifetime, is usually observed broader than predicted from adiabatic parcel calculations. Results in this study show that the CDSD can be broadened during condensational growth as a result of Ostwald ripening amplified by droplet deactivation and reactivation. Our results suggest that it is important to consider both curvature and solute effects before and after cloud droplet activation in a 3-D cloud model.
Sisi Chen, Man-Kong Yau, Peter Bartello, and Lulin Xue
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 7251-7262, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-7251-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-7251-2018, 2018
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This paper introduces a sophisticated approach to incorporate the droplet hydrodynamic collision and condensation processes into a single DNS modeling framework. Arguably, this model provides a sophisticated approach to study the warm-rain initiation problem that has puzzled the cloud physics community for decades. The results show the increased condensation-mediated collisions when turbulence intensifies, indicating a positive impact of turbulence on droplet condensational–collisional growth.
Guy Dagan, Ilan Koren, and Orit Altaratz
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 6761-6769, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-6761-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-6761-2018, 2018
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In this paper we distill the problem of aerosol–cloud interactions to an interplay between the system's two characteristic vertical velocities, i.e., the air vertical velocity and the collective droplets fall velocity. We show using theoretical considerations and cloud-resolving models that the relations between the two velocities are extremely sensitive to the cloud field's thermodynamics and microphysical properties.
Olga Henneberg, Felix Ament, and Verena Grützun
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 6413-6425, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-6413-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-6413-2018, 2018
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Soil moisture influences the occurrence of convective precipitation. An accurate knowledge of soil moisture might improve the prediction of convective cells.
But the model uncertainty overshadows the impact of soil moisture in convection resolving models. Only drastic soil moisture changes can exhibit the model uncertainties. Both the enhanced and reduced soil moisture result in a reduced precipitation rate. We point out the need for uncertainty estimations in soil moisture studies.
Michael Keller, Nico Kröner, Oliver Fuhrer, Daniel Lüthi, Juerg Schmidli, Martin Stengel, Reto Stöckli, and Christoph Schär
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 5253-5264, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-5253-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-5253-2018, 2018
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Deep convection is often associated with thunderstorms and heavy rain events. In this study, the sensitivity of Alpine deep convective events to environmental parameters and climate warming is investigated. To this end, simulations are conducted at resolutions of 12 and 2 km. The results show that the climate change signal strongly depends upon the horizontal resolution. In particular, significant differences are found in terms of the radiative feedbacks.
Mark Pinsky and Alexander Khain
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 3659-3676, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-3659-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-3659-2018, 2018
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In this paper it is shown that the difference between the mixing diagrams for homogeneous and inhomogeneous mixing is insignificant and decreases with an increase in the DSD width. If the normalized droplet concentration is used, mixing diagrams do not show any significant dependency on relative humidity in the dry volume.
The main conclusion of the study is that traditional mixing diagrams cannot serve as a reliable tool in analysis of mixing type.
Annette K. Miltenberger, Paul R. Field, Adrian A. Hill, Phil Rosenberg, Ben J. Shipway, Jonathan M. Wilkinson, Robert Scovell, and Alan M. Blyth
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 3119-3145, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-3119-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-3119-2018, 2018
Manuel Baumgartner and Peter Spichtinger
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 2525-2546, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-2525-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-2525-2018, 2018
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Ice crystals are surrounded by liquid cloud droplets in mixed-phase clouds. The coexistence of ice and water is thermodynamically not stable and the particles will influence their respective growth by condensation. This effect is known as the Wegener–Bergeron–Findeisen process. In current models, the local interactions of the particles are neglected and they can only interact indirectly. This work proposes an approach to include local interactions and discusses some implications.
Sylvia C. Sullivan, Corinna Hoose, Alexei Kiselev, Thomas Leisner, and Athanasios Nenes
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 1593-1610, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-1593-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-1593-2018, 2018
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Ice multiplication (IM) processes can have a profound impact on cloud and precipitation development but are poorly understood. Here we study whether a lower limit of ice nuclei exists to initiate IM. The lower limit is found to be extremely low (0.01 per liter or less). A counterintuitive but profound conclusion thus emerges: IM requires cloud formation around a thermodynamic
sweet spotand is sensitive to fluctuations in cloud condensation nuclei concentration alone.
Gillian Young, Paul J. Connolly, Christopher Dearden, and Thomas W. Choularton
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 1475-1494, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-1475-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-1475-2018, 2018
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Large-scale subsidence, associated with high-pressure systems, is often used in cloud-resolving models to maintain the height of boundary layer clouds; however, its influence on the small-scale interactions in mixed-phase clouds has not been previously investigated. Using large-eddy simulations, we have identified a relationship between subsidence and convection development in such clouds, with implications for mixed-phase boundary layer clouds forming in the ocean-exposed Arctic regions.
Xingchao Chen, Olivier M. Pauluis, and Fuqing Zhang
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 1003-1022, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-1003-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-1003-2018, 2018
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Simulations of the Indian summer monsoon by the cloud-permitting WRF model at gray-zone resolution (9 km) are described in this study, with a particular emphasis on the model ability to capture the monsoon intraseasonal oscillations (MISOs). When compared to simulations with coarser grid spacing (27 km) and using a cumulus scheme, the 9 km simulations reduce the biases in mean precipitation and produce more realistic low-frequency variability associated with MISOs.
Camilla W. Stjern, Helene Muri, Lars Ahlm, Olivier Boucher, Jason N. S. Cole, Duoying Ji, Andy Jones, Jim Haywood, Ben Kravitz, Andrew Lenton, John C. Moore, Ulrike Niemeier, Steven J. Phipps, Hauke Schmidt, Shingo Watanabe, and Jón Egill Kristjánsson
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 621-634, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-621-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-621-2018, 2018
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Marine cloud brightening (MCB) has been proposed to help limit global warming. We present here the first multi-model assessment of idealized MCB simulations from the Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project. While all models predict a global cooling as intended, there is considerable spread between the models both in terms of radiative forcing and the climate response, largely linked to the substantial differences in the models' representation of clouds.
Seoung Soo Lee, Zhanqing Li, Yuwei Zhang, Hyelim Yoo, Seungbum Kim, Byung-Gon Kim, Yong-Sang Choi, Jungbin Mok, Junshik Um, Kyoung Ock Choi, and Danhong Dong
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 18, 13-29, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-13-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-18-13-2018, 2018
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This paper compares the contribution of resolutions with that of parameterizations to errors in the simulations of clouds, precipitation, and their interactions with aerosol in numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. This comparison shows that resolutions contribute to errors to a much greater degree than microphysics parameterizations. This finding provides a useful guideline for how to develop NWP models and has not been discussed in previous studies.
Daniel Wolfensberger, Auguste Gires, Ioulia Tchiguirinskaia, Daniel Schertzer, and Alexis Berne
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 14253-14273, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-14253-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-14253-2017, 2017
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Precipitation intensities simulated by the COSMO weather prediction model are compared to radar observations over a range of spatial and temporal scales using the universal multifractal framework. Our results highlight the strong influence of meteorological and topographical features on the multifractal characteristics of precipitation. Moreover, the influence of the subgrid parameterizations of COSMO is clearly visible by a break in the scaling properties that is absent from the radar data.
Luke B. Hande and Corinna Hoose
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 14105-14118, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-14105-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-14105-2017, 2017
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In this study, the relative contributions of different primary ice nucleation modes (i.e. processes leading to the formation of ice crystals with or without the help of certain aerosol particles, in this case mineral dust) are quantified in model simulations for different cloud types.
Magnus Lindskog, Martin Ridal, Sigurdur Thorsteinsson, and Tong Ning
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 13983-13998, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-13983-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-13983-2017, 2017
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Atmospheric moisture-related information obtained from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) observations from ground-based receiver stations of the Nordic GNSS Analysis Centre (NGAA) has been used within a state-of-the-art kilometre-scale numerical weather prediction system.
The sensitivity of results to aspects of the data processing, observation density, bias-correction and data assimilation has been investigated. Results show a benefit on forecast quality of using GNSS ZTD.
Ulrich Schumann and Bernhard Mayer
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 13833-13848, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-13833-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-13833-2017, 2017
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It is generally assumed that a positive radiative forcing of the atmosphere implies a warming of the Earth surface. This assumption is valid for well-mixed greenhouse gases but is not guaranteed for disturbances which cause a vertically variable radiative heating rate profile with warming in the upper troposphere and cooling near the surface. This conceptual study shows that the warming induced by contrail cirrus prevails only for fast vertical heat exchange by mixing within the troposphere.
Piotr Dziekan and Hanna Pawlowska
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 13509-13520, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-13509-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-13509-2017, 2017
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Raindrops form when small cloud droplets collide with each other. In most computer models of clouds, this process is described using the Smoluchowski equation. We compare the Smoluchowski equation with computer simulations in which each droplet within a small part of the cloud is modeled. We show, depending on the simulation setup, that the Smoluchowski equation can give overly slow or fast rain formation. This implies that many cloud models used do not correctly represent rain formation.
Lei Zhu, Zhiyong Meng, Fuqing Zhang, and Paul M. Markowski
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 13213-13232, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-13213-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-13213-2017, 2017
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This work shows a strong diurnal rainfall cycle over Hainan island due to land–sea breeze circulations. Years of gauge and CMORPH rainfall datasets were examined. More than 60 % of the total annual precipitation is attributable to the diurnal cycle. The multistage dynamics of the diurnal rainfall cycle and the related land–sea breeze circulations were analyzed based on WRF simulations. The rather high island orography is not a dominant factor in the diurnal variation of rainfall over the island.
Marie Mazoyer, Christine Lac, Odile Thouron, Thierry Bergot, Valery Masson, and Luc Musson-Genon
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 13017-13035, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-13017-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-13017-2017, 2017
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Large eddy simulations of a radiation fog event occurring during the ParisFog experiment have been studied to analyze the impact of the dynamics on the fog life cycle. They included a sophisticated microphysical scheme, the drag effect of a trees barrier and deposition on vegetation. The blocking effect of the trees induces elevated fog formation and limits cooling and cloud water production. The deposition process was found to exert the most significant impact on the fog prediction.
Bethan White, Edward Gryspeerdt, Philip Stier, Hugh Morrison, Gregory Thompson, and Zak Kipling
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 12145-12175, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-12145-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-12145-2017, 2017
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Aerosols influence cloud and precipitation by modifying cloud droplet number concentrations (CDNCs). We simulate three different types of convective cloud using two different cloud microphysics parameterisations. The simulated cloud and precipitation depends much more strongly on the choice of microphysics scheme than on CDNC. The uncertainty differs between types of convection. Our results highlight a large uncertainty in cloud and precipitation responses to aerosol in current models.
Constantino Listowski and Tom Lachlan-Cope
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 10195-10221, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-10195-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-10195-2017, 2017
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Modelling Antarctic tropospheric clouds remains challenging because of the lack of observations in this remote place. We use aircraft in situ observations to assess the performances of simulations over the Antarctic Peninsula within the Polar Weather Research and Forecasting model. The cloud scheme used by the operational forecast model AMPS performs the least well. Ice microphysics is key for correctly modelling the supercooled liquid phase and hence for lowering the surface radiative biases.
Qian Chen, Ilan Koren, Orit Altaratz, Reuven H. Heiblum, Guy Dagan, and Lital Pinto
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 9585-9598, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-9585-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-9585-2017, 2017
Lena Frey, Frida A.-M. Bender, and Gunilla Svensson
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 9145-9162, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-9145-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-9145-2017, 2017
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In this study, the cloud albedo effect in climate models is investigated, separating the influence of anthropogenic sulfate and non-sulfate aerosols. Cloud albedo changes induced by added anthropogenic aerosols are found to be determined by changes in the cloud water content rather than model sensitivity to monthly aerosol variations. The results also indicate that the background aerosol is the main driver for a cloud brightening effect on the month-to-month scale.
Fabian Hoffmann
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 17, 8343-8356, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-8343-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-17-8343-2017, 2017
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This study analyzes at which aerosol radius the mass growth leading to activation switches from diffusion to collection, marking the limit of traditional Köhler activation theory. It is found that collection becomes increasingly important for aerosols larger than 0.1 µm in dry radius and is responsible for all activations of aerosols larger than 1.0 µm. A novel particle-based cloud modeling approach is applied, in which activation can be represented without parameterizations.
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This paper presents a parameterization to predict the influence of microscale turbulent clustering of cloud droplets on the radar reflectivity factor, based on a direct numerical simulation (DNS) of turbulence. The proposed parameterization takes account of the turbulent clustering structure of droplets with arbitrary size distributions. This paper also discusses quantitative influences on realistic radar observations, applying the parameterization to high-resolution cloud-simulation data.
This paper presents a parameterization to predict the influence of microscale turbulent...
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