A process study of mixed-phase Arctic stratus and associated aerosol effects
 
Authors
Mikhail Ovchinnikov — Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Alexei Korolev — Environment Canada
Jiwen Fan — Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Category
Aerosol-Cloud-Radiation Interactions
Description
Comprehensive ISDAC measurements provide ample opportunities for evaluating and improving cloud models and parameterizations, particularly in simulating the mixed-phase cloud regime. The longevity on climatically important low-level Arctic stratus depends critically on cloud microphysics, which controls liquid-to-ice conversion and precipitation rates. We conduct high-resolution simulations of persistent mixed-phase stratus clouds observed over the sea ice on April 27, 2008 during ISDAC using a model with both spectral bin (SBM) and two-moment bulk liquid and ice microphysics. These simulations are compared and evaluated using aircraft measurements. Model parameters and corresponding process rates that result in a better agreement with observations are examined in detail. Aerosol effects on cloud micro- and macro-structure will also be discussed.