Exploring in-situ and remote sensing observations of clouds during the Mid-latitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E)

Detailed studies of cloud and precipitation regimes have revealed variations in ice microphysical characteristics such as particle size distributions (PSDs) and crystal shapes that vary based on cloud type and environment. Satellite radar retrievals of clouds and precipitation rely on assumptions about the microphysical properties of hydrometeors. A deeper understanding of relationships between mass-dimensional relationships and radar reflectivities across cloud and precipitation regimes is necessary for developing new retrievals for upcoming satellite radar missions, including the INvestigation of Convective UpdraftS (INCUS), as well as future missions that will feature space-borne radars observing clouds, convection, and precipitation. This study draws upon microphysical cloud datasets with airborne remote sensing observations and in-situ particle probes from the Mid-latitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E). During the MC3E, the Ka/Ku-band High Altitude Imaging Wind and Rain Airborne Profiler (HIWRAP) was onboard the ER-2 aircraft, while in-situ measurements were taken onboard the Citation. Using in-situ PSDs and particle shape information, this study explores mass-dimensional relationships and microphysical assumptions in radar retrievals and particle scattering databases. Relationships between the PSDs and radar observations are assessed and compared to forward-modeled reflectivities. With detailed forward simulation of the observed ice crystal PSDs and habits, we effectively match the observed Ka-band radar reflectivity. In addition to aircraft observations, additional ground-based observations are used to understand storm context in convection and anvils. This methodology offers a powerful constraint on parameterization of ice crystal mass-dimensional relationships and habits for INCUS retrieval algorithms.