Snowfall Microphysics Characterized by PARSIVEL Disdrometer Observations in Beijing from 2020 to 2022

Abstract

Accurate snowfall forecasting and quantitative snowfall estimation remain challenging due to the complexity and variability of snow microphysical properties. In this paper, the microphysical characteristics of snowfall in the Yanqing mountainous area of Beijing are investigated by using a Particle Size and Velocity (PARSIVEL) disdrometer. Results show that the high snowfall intensity process has large particle-size distribution (PSD) peak concentration, but the distribution of its spectrum width is much smaller than that of moderate or low snowfall intensity. When the snowfall intensity is high, the corresponding Dm value is smaller and the Nw value is larger. Comparison between the fitted μ−Λ relationship and the relationships of different locations show that there are regional differences. Based on dry snow samples, the Ze−SR relationship fitted in this paper is more consistent with the Ze−SR relationship of dry snow in Nanjing, China. The fitted ρs−Dm relationship of dry snow is close to the relationship in Pyeongchang, Republic of Korea, but the relationship of wet snow shows greatly difference. At last, the paper analyzes the statistics on velocity and diameter distribution of snow particles according to different snowfall intensities.