Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
4451309 | Atmospheric Research | 2007 | 9 Pages |
Abstract
Using a cloud model with explicit microphysics and radiation, we evaluate the microphysical changes in a supercooled liquid altocumulus cloud with increasing ice content, until glaciation occurs. The properties of the ice and water particle constituents are resolved independently, revealing the relative radiative contributions from the water phase source cloud versus the ice phase virga. Cloud contents are also converted to millimeter-wave radar reflectivities to shed light on the ability of such radars to study these ubiquitous clouds. The results show that the radiative and radar backscattering properties of mixed-phase clouds are dominated by the cloud droplets and ice crystals they contain, respectively.
Related Topics
Physical Sciences and Engineering
Earth and Planetary Sciences
Atmospheric Science
Authors
Kenneth Sassen, Vitaly I. Khvorostyanov,