Sensitivity to CCN for a Simulated Mesoscale Convective System with Respect to Microphysical Processes

This study examines the sensitivity of the simulation of a mesoscale convective system to background cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) loading with regards to cloud microphysical processes including ice-phase processes.

High-resolution (1-km horizontal grid spacing) simulations using the 3D GEM atmospheric model with the two-moment Milbrandt-Yau (MY2) and Predicted Particles Properties (P3) bulk microphysics schemes were conducted over the Southern Great Plains during the Midlatitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E).

Results from CCN sensitivity experiments, supplemented by a detailed examination of the microphysical budget, will be presented to address the impacts of CCN loading in the simulated storm structure and hydrometeors characteristics thoughout the squall line. An examination of the key microphysical processes affected by CCN loading that led to significant differences in the hydrometeors characteristics will be discussed.