Improved Representation of Ice Particle Masses Based on Observations in Natural Clouds

• DOI: 10.1175/2010jas3507.1
• Publication Date: 2010-05-21T22:03:26Z
• Authors: Andrew J. Heymsfield; Carl Schmitt; Aaron Bansemer; Cynthia H. Twohy
• Keywords: Particle (ecology); Cloud physics; Cornerstone; Ice cloud; Representation

Abstract The mass–dimensional relationship put forth by Brown and Francis has been widely used for developing parameterizations representing ice cloud microphysical properties. This forms the cornerstone past forthcoming retrievals of properties from ground-based spaceborne active passive sensors but yet to be rigorously evaluated. study uses data six field campaigns evaluate this in a variety types temperatures account deviations observed with temperature size, based on particle ensembles. Although provides good match observations mean sense, it fails capture dependences size that are result complex processes operative within most layers. Mass–dimensional relationships provide better fit developed.