Abstract
Abstract. Recently launched cloud observing satellites provide
information about the vertical structure of deep convection and its
microphysical characteristics. In this study, CloudSat reflectivity data is
stratified by cloud type, and the contoured frequency by altitude diagrams
reveal a double-arc structure in deep convective cores (DCCs) above 8 km.
This suggests two distinct hydrometeor modes (snow versus hail/graupel)
controlling variability in reflectivity profiles. The day–night contrast in
the double arcs is about four times larger than the wet–dry season contrast.
Using QuickBeam, the vertical reflectivity structure of DCCs is analyzed in
two versions of the Superparameterized Community Atmospheric Model (SP-CAM)
with single-moment (no graupel) and double-moment (with graupel)
microphysics. Double-moment microphysics shows better agreement with
observed reflectivity profiles; however, neither model variant captures the
double-arc structure. Ultimately, the results show that simulating realistic
DCC vertical structure and its variability requires accurate representation
of ice microphysics, in particular the hail/graupel modes, though this alone
is insufficient.
Funder
Langley Research Center
National Science Foundation
Reference85 articles.
1. Andreae, M. O., Rosenfeld, D., Artaxo, P., Costa, A. A., Frank, G. P., Longo,
K. M., and Silva-Dias, M. A. F.: Smoking Rain Clouds over the Amazon,
Science, 303, 1337–1342, https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1092779, 2004.
2. Arakawa, A.: Modelling clouds and cloud processes for use in climate models,
The Physical Basis of Climate and Climate Modelling, WMO, Geneva,
Switzerland, GARP Publications Series No. 16, 100–120, 1975.
3. Arakawa, A.: The cumulus parameterization problem: Past, present, and future,
J. Climate, 217, 2493–2525, 2004.
4. Avery, M. A., Davis, S. M., Rosenlof, K. H., Ye, H., and Dessler, A. E.:
Large anomalies in lower stratospheric water vapour and ice during the
2015–2016 El Niño, Nat. Geosci., 110, 405–410, https://doi.org/10.1038/NGEO2961,
2017.
5. Batchelor, G. K.: Heat convection and buoyancy effects in fluids, Q. J. Roy.
Meteor. Soc., 80, 339–358, https://doi.org/10.1002/qj.49708034504, 1954.
Cited by
8 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献