Characterizing the occurrence and spatial heterogeneity of liquid, ice and mixed phase low‐level clouds over the Southern Ocean using in situ observations acquired during SOCRATES

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
John J. D’Alessandro ◽  
Greg M. McFarquhar ◽  
Wei Wu ◽  
Jeff L. Stith ◽  
Jorgen B. Jensen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Southern Ocean ◽  
Spatial Heterogeneity ◽  
Mixed Phase ◽  
Low Level ◽  
In Situ Observations

scholarly journals A Modeling Case Study of Mixed-Phase Clouds over the Southern Ocean and Tasmania

2010 ◽  
Vol 138 (3) ◽  
pp. 839-862 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anthony E. Morrison ◽  
Steven T. Siems ◽  
Michael J. Manton ◽  
Alex Nazarov
Keyword(s):  
Southern Ocean ◽  
Supercooled Liquid ◽  
Mixed Phase ◽  
Weather Research And Forecasting ◽  
Marine Stratocumulus ◽  
Cloud Structure ◽  
In Situ Observations ◽  
Cloud Tops ◽  
Mixed Phase Clouds

Abstract The cloud structure associated with two frontal passages over the Southern Ocean and Tasmania is investigated. The first event, during August 2006, is characterized by large quantities of supercooled liquid water and little ice. The second case, during October 2007, is more mixed phase. The Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRFV2.2.1) is evaluated using remote sensed and in situ observations within the post frontal air mass. The Thompson microphysics module is used to describe in-cloud processes, where ice is initiated using the Cooper parameterization at temperatures lower than −8°C or at ice supersaturations greater than 8%. The evaluated cases are then used to numerically investigate the prevalence of supercooled and mixed-phase clouds over Tasmania and the ocean to the west. The simulations produce marine stratocumulus-like clouds with maximum heights of between 3 and 5 km. These are capped by weak temperature and strong moisture inversions. When the inversion is at temperatures warmer than −10°C, WRF produces widespread supercooled cloud fields with little glaciation. This is consistent with the limited in situ observations. When the inversion is at higher altitudes, allowing cooler cloud tops, glaciated (and to a lesser extent mixed phase) clouds are more common. The simulations are further explored to evaluate any orographic signature within the cloud structure over Tasmania. No consistent signature is found between the two cases.

scholarly journals Microphysical investigation of the seeder and feeder region of an Alpine mixed-phase cloud

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (9) ◽  
pp. 6681-6706
Author(s):  
Fabiola Ramelli ◽  
Jan Henneberger ◽  
Robert O. David ◽  
Johannes Bühl ◽  
Martin Radenz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Phase ◽  
Swiss Alps ◽  
Ice Formation ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Orographic Precipitation ◽  
Local Flow ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Cloud Radar ◽  
Ice Production

Abstract. The seeder–feeder mechanism has been observed to enhance orographic precipitation in previous studies. However, the microphysical processes active in the seeder and feeder region are still being understood. In this paper, we investigate the seeder and feeder region of a mixed-phase cloud passing over the Swiss Alps, focusing on (1) fallstreaks of enhanced radar reflectivity originating from cloud top generating cells (seeder region) and (2) a persistent low-level feeder cloud produced by the boundary layer circulation (feeder region). Observations were obtained from a multi-dimensional set of instruments including ground-based remote sensing instrumentation (Ka-band polarimetric cloud radar, microwave radiometer, wind profiler), in situ instrumentation on a tethered balloon system, and ground-based aerosol and precipitation measurements. The cloud radar observations suggest that ice formation and growth were enhanced within cloud top generating cells, which is consistent with previous observational studies. However, uncertainties exist regarding the dominant ice formation mechanism within these cells. Here we propose different mechanisms that potentially enhance ice nucleation and growth in cloud top generating cells (convective overshooting, radiative cooling, droplet shattering) and attempt to estimate their potential contribution from an ice nucleating particle perspective. Once ice formation and growth within the seeder region exceeded a threshold value, the mixed-phase cloud became fully glaciated. Local flow effects on the lee side of the mountain barrier induced the formation of a persistent low-level feeder cloud over a small-scale topographic feature in the inner-Alpine valley. In situ measurements within the low-level feeder cloud observed the production of secondary ice particles likely due to the Hallett–Mossop process and ice particle fragmentation upon ice–ice collisions. Therefore, secondary ice production may have been partly responsible for the elevated ice crystal number concentrations that have been previously observed in feeder clouds at mountaintop observatories. Secondary ice production in feeder clouds can potentially enhance orographic precipitation.

scholarly journals Terrain Trapped Airflows and Precipitation Variability during an Atmospheric River Event

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 355-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ju-Mee Ryoo ◽  
Sen Chiao ◽  
J. Ryan Spackman ◽  
Laura T. Iraci ◽  
F. Martin Ralph ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wrf Model ◽  
Wind Fields ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Atmospheric River ◽  
Gap Flow ◽  
Period 2 ◽  
Modeling Systems ◽  
In Situ Observations ◽  
Aircraft Data

AbstractWe examine thermodynamic and kinematic structures of terrain trapped airflows (TTAs) during an atmospheric river (AR) event impacting Northern California 10–11 March 2016 using Alpha Jet Atmospheric eXperiment (AJAX) aircraft data, in situ observations, and Weather and Research Forecasting (WRF) Model simulations. TTAs are identified by locally intensified low-level winds flowing parallel to the coastal ranges and having maxima over the near-coastal waters. Multiple mechanisms can produce TTAs, including terrain blocking and gap flows. The changes in winds can significantly alter the distribution, timing, and intensity of precipitation. We show here how different mechanisms producing TTAs evolve during this event and influence local precipitation variations. Three different periods are identified from the time-varying wind fields. During period 1 (P1), a TTA develops during synoptic-scale onshore flow that backs to southerly flow near the coast. This TTA occurs when the Froude number (Fr) is less than 1, suggesting low-level terrain blocking is the primary mechanism. During period 2 (P2), a Petaluma offshore gap flow develops, with flows turning parallel to the coast offshore and with Fr > 1. Periods P1 and P2 are associated with slightly more coastal than mountain precipitation. In period 3 (P3), the gap flow initiated during P2 merges with a pre-cold-frontal low-level jet (LLJ) and enhanced precipitation shifts to higher mountain regions. Dynamical mixing also becomes more important as the TTA becomes confluent with the approaching LLJ. The different mechanisms producing TTAs and their effects on precipitation pose challenges to observational and modeling systems needed to improve forecasts and early warnings of AR events.

Surface In Situ Observations within the Outflow of Forward-Flank Downdrafts of Supercell Thunderstorms

2006 ◽  
Vol 134 (5) ◽  
pp. 1422-1441 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher J. Shabbott ◽  
Paul M. Markowski
Keyword(s):  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Thermodynamic Characteristics ◽  
Streamwise Vorticity ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Thermodynamic Conditions ◽  
Supercell Thunderstorm ◽  
In Situ Observations ◽  
Supercell Thunderstorms ◽  
Negative Buoyancy

Abstract In the long-standing conceptual model of a supercell thunderstorm, the forward-flank downdraft (FFD) and its associated negative buoyancy originate from precipitation loading and the latent chilling of air due to the melting and evaporation of precipitation. The horizontal buoyancy gradient within the outflow of the FFD has been identified as an important source of low-level, streamwise vorticity in three-dimensional numerical simulations of supercells. These simulations have demonstrated that the formation of low-level mesocyclones is critically dependent on the baroclinic generation of horizontal vorticity within the FFD outflow. Despite the implied dynamical importance of the FFD outflow in the evolution of supercell thunderstorms, only a very limited number of thermodynamic observations have been obtained within FFD outflow. The range of thermodynamic conditions within FFD outflow is not well known, nor is it known whether any systematic relationship exists between the thermodynamic characteristics of FFD outflow and the intensity of low-level mesocyclones and/or tornadogenesis. In this paper, in situ observations obtained at the ground by a mobile mesonet within FFD outflow are used to investigate whether any relationship exists between the thermodynamic characteristics of the outflow and low-level mesocyclogenesis and/or tornadogenesis. The data were obtained within both tornadic and nontornadic supercells (12 cases total) during the Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX) from 1994 to 1995, and in smaller field campaigns during the 1997–99 period.

scholarly journals Understanding the Impact of Radar and In Situ Observations on the Prediction of a Nocturnal Convection Initiation Event on 25 June 2013 Using an Ensemble-Based Multiscale Data Assimilation System

2018 ◽  
Vol 146 (6) ◽  
pp. 1837-1859 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel K. Degelia ◽  
Xuguang Wang ◽  
David J. Stensrud ◽  
Aaron Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Data Assimilation ◽  
Great Plains ◽  
Cold Pool ◽  
Radar Observations ◽  
Low Level ◽  
In Situ Observations ◽  
Outflow Boundary ◽  
Convection Initiation ◽  
The Impact

The initiation of new convection at night in the Great Plains contributes to a nocturnal maximum in precipitation and produces localized heavy rainfall and severe weather hazards in the region. Although previous work has evaluated numerical model forecasts and data assimilation (DA) impacts for convection initiation (CI), most previous studies focused only on convection that initiates during the afternoon and not explicitly on nocturnal thunderstorms. In this study, we investigate the impact of assimilating in situ and radar observations for a nocturnal CI event on 25 June 2013 using an ensemble-based DA and forecast system. Results in this study show that a successful CI forecast resulted only when assimilating conventional in situ observations on the inner, convection-allowing domain. Assimilating in situ observations strengthened preexisting convection in southwestern Kansas by enhancing buoyancy and locally strengthening low-level convergence. The enhanced convection produced a cold pool that, together with increased convergence along the northwestern low-level jet (LLJ) terminus near the region of CI, was an important mechanism for lifting parcels to their level of free convection. Gravity waves were also produced atop the cold pool that provided further elevated ascent. Assimilating radar observations further improved the forecast by suppressing spurious convection and reducing the number of ensemble members that produced CI along a spurious outflow boundary. The fact that the successful CI forecasts resulted only when the in situ observations were assimilated suggests that accurately capturing the preconvective environment and specific mesoscale features is especially important for nocturnal CI forecasts.

scholarly journals An Investigation of the Goshen County, Wyoming, Tornadic Supercell of 5 June 2009 Using EnKF Assimilation of Mobile Mesonet and Radar Observations Collected during VORTEX2. Part II: Mesocyclone-Scale Processes Affecting Tornado Formation, Maintenance, and Decay

2016 ◽  
Vol 144 (9) ◽  
pp. 3441-3463 ◽  
Author(s):  
James Marquis ◽  
Yvette Richardson ◽  
Paul Markowski ◽  
Joshua Wurman ◽  
Karen Kosiba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Ensemble Kalman Filter ◽  
Vertical Structure ◽  
Spatial Scales ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Structure Changes ◽  
In Situ Observations ◽  
Negatively Buoyant

Storm-scale and mesocyclone-scale processes occurring contemporaneously with a tornado in the Goshen County, Wyoming, supercell observed on 5 June 2009 during the second Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment (VORTEX2) are examined using ensemble analyses produced by assimilating mobile radar and in situ observations into a high-resolution convection-resolving model. This paper focuses on understanding the evolution of the vertical structure of the storm, the outflow buoyancy, and processes affecting the vertical vorticity and circulation within the mesocyclone that correspond to changes in observed tornado intensity. Tornadogenesis occurs when the low-level mesocyclone is least negatively buoyant relative to the environment, possesses its largest circulation, and is collocated with the largest azimuthally averaged convergence during the analysis period. The average buoyancy, circulation, and convergence within the near-surface mesocyclone (on spatial scales resolved by the model) all decrease as the tornado intensifies and matures. The tornado and its parent low-level mesocyclone both dissipate surrounded by a weakening rear-flank downdraft. The decreasing buoyancy of parcels within the low-level mesocyclone may partly be responsible for the weakening of the updraft surrounding the tornado and decoupling of the mid- and low-level circulation. Although the supply of horizontal vorticity generated in the forward flank of the storm increases throughout the life cycle of the tornado, it is presumably less easily tilted and stretched on the mesocyclone-scale during tornado maturity owing to the disruption of the low-level updraft/downdraft structure. Changes in radar-measured tornado intensity lag those of ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) mesocyclone vorticity and circulation.

scholarly journals Evaluating Southern Ocean biological production in two ocean biogeochemical models on daily to seasonal timescales using satellite chlorophyll and O<sub>2</sub> / Ar observations

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 681-695
Author(s):  
B. F. Jonsson ◽  
S. Doney ◽  
J. Dunne ◽  
M. L. Bender
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Southern Ocean ◽  
Drake Passage ◽  
Ecosystem Dynamics ◽  
Net Community Production ◽  
Biogeochemical Models ◽  
In Situ Observations ◽  
Satellite Chlorophyll ◽  
Community Production

Abstract. We assess the ability of ocean biogeochemical models to represent seasonal structures in biomass and net community production (NCP) in the Southern Ocean. Two models are compared to observations on daily to seasonal timescales in four different sections of the region. We use daily satellite fields of chlorophyll (Chl) as a proxy for biomass and in situ observations of O2 and Ar supersaturation (ΔO2 / Ar) to estimate NCP. ΔO2 / Ar is converted to the flux of biologically generated O2 from sea to air (O2 bioflux). All data are aggregated to a climatological year with a daily resolution. To account for potential regional differences within the Southern Ocean, we conduct separate analyses of sections south of South Africa, around the Drake Passage, south of Australia, and south of New Zealand. We find that the models simulate the upper range of Chl concentrations well, underestimate spring levels significantly, and show differences in skill between early and late parts of the growing season. While there is a great deal of scatter in the bioflux observations in general, the four sectors each have distinct patterns that the models pick up. Neither model exhibits a significant distinction between the Australian and New Zealand sectors and between the Drake Passage and African sectors. South of 60° S, the models fail to predict the observed extent of biological O2 undersaturation. We suggest that this shortcoming may be due either to problems with the ecosystem dynamics or problems with the vertical transport of oxygen.

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