Arctic mixed-phase clouds simulated by the WRF model: Comparisons with ACLOUD radar and in situ airborne observations and sensitivity of microphysics properties

• DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosres.2024.107471
• Publication Date: 2024-05-14T01:38:46Z
• Authors: Diana Arteaga; Céline Planche; Frédéric Tridon; Régis Dupuy; Antoine Baudoux; Sandra Banson; Jean-Luc Baray; Guillaume Mioche; André Ehrlich; Mario Mech; Stephan Mertes; Manfred Wendisch; Wolfram Wobrock; Olivier Jourdan
• Keywords: Liquid water content

The microphysical properties of two mixed-phase clouds (MPCs), one over sea ice, and another open ocean, are investigated using in situ measuring probes a cloud radar installed on-board aircraft during the Arctic CLoud Observations Using airborne measurements polar Day (ACLOUD) field campaign, west Svalbard on 17 June 2017. Comparisons between observations different configurations Weather Research Forecasting (WRF) model conducted reveal discrepancies vertical profile ice crystal concentrations for both MPCs due to slightly higher temperatures (by approx. 1–2 °C) WRF than observed, affecting formation. A comprehensive sensitivity analysis is carried out address impact assumptions used microphysics (MP) atmospheric boundary layer (ABL) schemes simulated MPC systems. role resolution large scale data initialisation also investigated. Results show that performance improves large-scale with more numerous levels close surface. Moreover, modifying ABL or MP scheme influences altitudes top base as well liquid water amounts. Our study highlights how an increase condensation nuclei droplet number can profiles