Role of interactions between cloudmicrophysics, dynamics and aerosol in the heavy rainfall event of June 2013 over Uttarakhand, India
Journal
Quarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society
Journal Volume
143
Journal Issue
703
Pages
986-998
Date Issued
2017
Author(s)
Abstract
In this study, we propose a hypothesis, supported by numerical model simulations, concerning the role of cloud microphysical processes and aerosols in the invigoration of an extreme rainfall event over Uttarakhand in June 2013. The interactions among dynamics, thermodynamics and microphysical processes and their feedbacks play a vital role in the occurrence of extreme events. To test the proposed hypothesis, Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) simulations are carried out with three different microphysical schemes (i.e. WDM6, Morrison, and CLR). The role of aerosol indirect effects in the process of invigoration of precipitation is demonstrated with a high-resolution regional model for the extreme event over the foothills of the Himalayas. The extreme event is characterized by the strong north–south tropospheric temperature gradient and strong moisture convergence. Forced uplift beyond the freezing level initiates a precipitation process which involves cloud ice and mixed-phase cloud microphysics and latent heat release; further, it invigorates convection and enhances precipitation. Results pinpoint that the role of microphysical processes are very crucial during such a type of extreme event. Additionally, the result accentuates the importance of aerosols on the deep convective cloud systems which have influence through invigoration and involvement of complex interactions between aerosol, large-scale dynamics and cloud microphysics. © 2016 Royal Meteorological Society
Subjects
aerosols; cloud microphysics; extreme events; regional climate model
SDGs
Other Subjects
Aerosols; Climate models; Dynamics; Rain; Thermodynamics; Weather forecasting; Aerosol indirect effect; Cloud microphysical process; Cloud microphysics; Extreme events; Numerical model simulations; Regional climate modeling; Tropospheric temperature; Weather research and forecasting; Precipitation (meteorology); aerosol; atmospheric dynamics; climate modeling; cloud microphysics; extreme event; precipitation intensity; rainfall; regional climate; temperature gradient; thermodynamics; troposphere; Himalayas; India; Uttarakhand
Type
journal article