13th Conference on Cloud Physics

P2.83

Simulating convective and stratiform structures observed during the TWP-ICE campaign active monsoon period

Agnieszka A. S. Mrowiec, NASA GISS / Columbia University, New York, NY; and A. M. Fridlind, A. S. Ackerman, J. P. Chaboureau, J. Fan, A. Hill, T. Jones, P. T. May, J. P. Pinty, C. Schumacher, A. C. Varble, and C. R. Williams

As demonstrated and explored in greater depth by the work presented at this conference by Varble et al., cloud-resolving model (CRM) simulations of active monsoon conditions during the Tropical Warm Pool - International Cloud Experiment exhibit a striking range of skill in their ability to reproduce the observed areal coverage of deep stratiform clouds. Using a texture algorithm to identify convective and deep stratiform areas, a range of available CRM simulations produce 5-30% stratiform coverage compared with 36% observed. Our objective in this work is to perform sensitivity tests with the DHARMA model using bulk and bin microphysics with the aim of identifying the factors controlling stratiform coverage. We identify relevant sensitivity tests and evaluate their effects through systematic, iterative analysis of DHARMA runs alongside the simulations of four different CRMs (CSUVVM, Meso-NH, SAM, and UKMO LEM) that produce both more and less stratiform area than the DHARMA baseline. Analysis is further focused on model variables that can be constrained by measurements made using the scanning C-POL dual polarimetric radar (3D reflectivity, rain rate and mass mean drop diameter at 2.5 km elevation), disdrometer (surface reflectivity, rain rate, and mass mean drop diameter), and vertically-pointing S-band radar (collocated reflectivity and Doppler velocity).

Poster Session 2, Cloud Physics Poster Session II
Wednesday, 30 June 2010, 5:30 PM-8:30 PM, Exhibit Hall

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