Sorting out impact of aerosols on cloud, radiation, precipitation, circulation, and storms from observations and modeling

 

Authors

Zhanqing Li — University of Maryland
Xiusheng Yang — University of Connecticut

Hongru Yan — University of Maryland
Yanni Ding — Dept of Atmos. & Oceanic Sci.
Jianping Guo — University of Maryland
George P. Kablick III — University of Maryland
Maureen C. Cribb — University of Maryland
Jiwen Fan — Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Category

Aerosol-Cloud-Radiation Interactions

Description

While many individual mechanisms have been proposed concerning the impacts of aerosols on various cloud variables, precipitation, atmospheric circulation, and thunderstorms through their radiative, microphysical, and thermodynamic effects, the greatest challenge is untangling them from observational data. Taking advantage of both long-term routine and campaign measurements made at the Southern Great Plains (SGP) Central Facility and a short-term field experiment undertaken in China, as well as satellite data, we are tackling the problem from many perspectives using a variety of tools including targeted modeling exercises. We will highlight results from the following recently published and ongoing studies:
  1. Using long-term ground and geostationary satellite-based measurements made at the SGP Central Facility, the effects of aerosols on cloud fraction, cloud thickness, cloud anvil expanse, and associated radiative forcings are explored.
  2. Using a plethora of global A-Train polar-orbiting satellite data, radiative effects of aerosol invigoration on deep clouds are investigated.
  3. Using over 50 years’ worth of meteorological data taken in China, clues concerning the separation of aerosol effects from those of greenhouse gases, urbanization, and general meteorology are gleaned.
  4. Using data from the ARM Mobile Facility (AMF) China deployment, various aerosol effects on clouds and precipitation are modeled.
  5. Using data from the Routine AAF Clouds with Low Optical Water Depths (CLOWD) Optical Radiative Observations (RACORO) field campaign, the first aerosol indirect effect and its influential factors are established.
Combining the merits of observational data and modeling appears to be a promising approach toward shedding light on the overarching problem encapsulated by the title of this presentation.

Supporting URL

www.atmos.umd.edu/~zli