An attempt to improve Kessler-type parameterization of warm cloud microphysical conversion processes using CloudSat observations

• DOI: 10.1007/s13351-015-4091-1
• Publication Date: 2015-02-16T22:14:12Z
• Authors: Jinfang Yin; Donghai Wang; Guoqing Zhai
• Keywords: Parametrization (atmospheric modeling)

Improvements to the Kessler-type parameterization of warm cloud microphysical conversion processes (also called autoconversion) are proposed based on a large number CloudSat observations between June 2006 and April 2011 over Asian land areas. The emphasis is given vertical distribution liquid water content (LWC), particularly, threshold values LWC for autoconversion. results warrant new approach numerical autoconversion in clouds. One feature this that threshold, which has been treated as constant previous schemes, diagnosed function altitude by using relationship height (H) derived from observations: $$LWC_{dig} = - 500.0\ln \left( {\frac{H} {{9492.2}}} \right)$$ . Under framework, decreases with increasing H, allowing occur clouds low (approximately 0.3 g m−3) at levels above 5.5 km. Autoconversion rates calculated compared those several commonly used schemes range LWCs 0.01 1.0 m−3. scheme provides reasonable simulations various levels.