13th Conference on Cloud Physics

P1.29

Analysis of Particle Size Distribution using Airborne Field Campaign Observations

Lin Tian, Goddard Earth Science and Technology Center / Univ. of Maryland Baltimore County, Greenbelt, MD; and G. M. Heymsfield, A. Heymsfield, and A. Bansemer

Vertical profiles of particle size distribution have intrinsic value for validating and advancing our understanding of the microphysical processes underlying the production and evolution of the cloud and precipitation. In the previous study, we have developed a method for evaluating how good the exponential, gamma and lognormal function distributions represent the observed particle size spectra. We found that the lognormal function provides a better fit to the observed spectra based on the two cases studies. In this paper, we apply the same method to a wide range of size spectra data taken in ice cloud generated from deep convection during TC4, approximately 60 hours of data. Together with airborne radar observation we are searching potential dependence of parameters in distribution functions on cloud type, geographic location, and environment conditions. We also expand our analysis to spiral data from other airborne field campaigns. These information is important for understanding deep convective cloud processes, and for remote sensing of cloud and precipitations.

Poster Session 1, Cloud Physics Poster Session 1
Monday, 28 June 2010, 5:30 PM-8:30 PM, Exhibit Hall

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