Simulation of cloud microphysical and chemical processes using a multicomponent framework. Part II: Microphysical evolution of a wintertime orographic cloud
Journal
Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences
Journal Volume
56
Journal Issue
14
Pages
2293-2312
Date Issued
1999
Author(s)
Lamb, D
Abstract
A detailed microphysical model is used to simulate the formation of wintertime orographic clouds in a twodimensional domain under steady-state conditions. Mass contents and number concentrations of both liquid-and ice-phase cloud particles are calculated to be in reasonable agreement with observations. The ice particles in the cloud, as well as those precipitated to the surface, are classified into small cloud ice, planar crystals, columnar crystals, heavily rimed crystals, and crystal aggregates. Detailed examination of the results reveals that contact nucleation and rime splintering are the major ice-production mechanisms functioning in the warmer part of the cloud, whereas deposition/condensation-freezing nucleation is dominant at the upper levels. Surface precipitation, either in the form of rain or snow, develops mainly through riming and aggregation, removing over 17% of the total water vapor that entered the cloud.
SDGs
Type
journal article