Building a comprehensive library of observed Lagrangian trajectories for testing modeled cloud evolution, aerosol-cloud interactions, and marine cloud brightening

• DOI: 10.5194/egusphere-2024-3232
• Publication Date: 2024-10-28T12:06:03Z
• Authors: Ehsan Erfani; Robert Wood; Peter Blossey; Sarah J. Doherty; Ryan Eastman

Abstract. As marine low clouds’ evolution is sensitive to the current state of atmosphere and varying meteorological forcing, it crucial ascertain how cloud responses differ across a spectrum those conditions. In this study, we introduce an innovative approach encompass wide array conditions prevalent in regions by creating comprehensive library observed environmental Using reanalysis satellite data, over 2200 Lagrangian trajectories are generated within stratocumulus deck region Northeast Pacific during summer 2018–2021. By using 8 important cloud-controlling factors (CCFs), employ Principal Component Analysis (PCA) reduce dimensionality data. This technique demonstrates that two principal components capture 43 % variability among CCFs. Notably, PCA facilitates selection reduced number (e.g., 54) represent diverse CCF, aerosol, co-variability. These can then be used for process model studies, e.g., with Large-Eddy Simulations (LES), evaluate efficacy Marine Cloud Brightening. Two distinct cases selected initiate two-day-long, high-resolution, large-domain LES experiments. The results highlight ability our simulate Although perturbed aerosols delay breakup enhance radiative effect, strength such effects “precipitation-aerosol feedback”. first case precipitating shows potential “precipitation-driven” due positive precipitation-aerosol feedback. second non-precipitating classic “deepening-warming” type, highlighting impact entrainment.