Analysis and numerical simulation of a real cell merger using a three-dimensional cloud resolving model

• A 3d cloud model is used to study a real cell merger over north-central Greece.
• A C-band weather radar is used for additional information and comparison purposes.
• Three simulations are performed: unseeded, seeded before and after cell merging.
• Seeding before cloud merging gives more positive results for hail suppression.

A three-dimensional cloud resolving model is used to study a real cell merger case that occurred on 10 August, 2008 over north-central Greece, causing heavy rainfall, hailfall and high-frequency lightning. Firstly, the storm is observed, analyzed and recorded using a C-band weather radar. Secondly, three distinct simulations are performed using a cloud resolving model. An unseeded simulation, in order to test the ability of the model to reproduce the structural and evolutionary properties of the storm and two seeded simulations in which seeding occurred before and after cell merging. Reflectivity fields are analyzed, horizontally and vertically, at different simulation times. The 3-D numerical simulations suggest that the merger process occurred by two or three isolated single-cells and formed during their SW–NE motion. The merging process apparently alters dynamical and microphysical properties through low and middle level forcing; increases cloud diameters and cloud depths, producing more graupel and ice particles and increases radar reflectivity values. Processed radar images depict a similar view of the storm structure, evolution and interactions of such merging processes. The model calculated maximum radar reflectivity values coincide with the recorded ones. Results indicate that seeding the cloud before its merging produces more positive effects on hail suppression than seeding after merging. These findings are quite important, in order to document the value of the cloud resolving model and its capability to simulate and reproduce the realistic storm processes and to provide a better understanding of the cloud dynamical and microphysical features related to different seeding approaches.