scholarly journals Supersaturation, buoyancy, and deep convection dynamics

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (18) ◽  
pp. 13997-14018
Author(s):  
Wojciech W. Grabowski ◽  
Hugh Morrison
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Model ◽  
Deep Convection ◽  
Convective Available Potential Energy ◽  
Lower Troposphere ◽  
Latent Heating ◽  
Microphysics Scheme ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Freezing Level ◽  
Double Moment ◽  
Adjustment Scheme

Abstract. Motivated by recent discussions concerning differences of convective dynamics in polluted and pristine environments, the so-called convective invigoration in particular, this paper provides an analysis of factors affecting convective updraft buoyancy, such as the in-cloud supersaturation, condensate and precipitation loading, and entrainment. We use the deep convective period from simulations of daytime convection development over land discussed in our previous publications. An entraining parcel framework is used in the theoretical analysis. We show that for the specific case considered here, finite (positive) supersaturation noticeably reduces pseudo-adiabatic parcel buoyancy and cumulative convective available potential energy (cCAPE) in the lower troposphere. This comes from keeping a small fraction of the water vapor in a supersaturated state and thus reducing the latent heating. Such a lower-tropospheric impact is comparable to the effects of condensate loading and entrainment in the idealized parcel framework. For the entire tropospheric depth, loading and entrainment have a much more significant impact on the total CAPE. For the cloud model results, we compare ensemble simulations applying either a bulk microphysics scheme with saturation adjustment or a more comprehensive double-moment scheme with supersaturation prediction. We compare deep convective updraft velocities, buoyancies, and supersaturations from all ensembles. In agreement with the parcel analysis, the saturation-adjustment scheme provides noticeably stronger updrafts in the lower troposphere. For the simulations predicting supersaturation, there are small differences between pristine and polluted conditions below the freezing level that are difficult to explain by standard analysis of the in-cloud buoyancy components. By applying the piggybacking technique, we show that the lower-tropospheric buoyancy differences between pristine and polluted simulations come from a combination of temperature (i.e., latent heating) and condensate loading differences that work together to make polluted buoyancies and updraft velocities slightly larger when compared to their pristine analogues. Overall, the effects are rather small and contradict previous claims of a significant invigoration of deep convection in polluted environments.

scholarly journals Supersaturation, buoyancy, and moist convective dynamics

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wojciech W. Grabowski ◽  
Hugh Morrison
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Model ◽  
Deep Convection ◽  
Potential Temperature ◽  
Lower Troposphere ◽  
Entrainment Rate ◽  
Latent Heating ◽  
Microphysics Scheme ◽  
Neutral Buoyancy ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Freezing Level

Abstract. Motivated by recent discussions concerning differences of convective dynamics in polluted and pristine environments, the so-called convective invigoration in particular, this paper provides an analysis of factors affecting convective updraft buoyancy, such as the in-cloud supersaturation, condensate and precipitation loading, and entrainment. We use the deep convective period from simulations of daytime convection development over land discussed in our previous publications. An entraining parcel framework in used in the theoretical analysis. We show that for the specific case considered here finite (positive) supersaturation noticeably reduces pseudo-adiabatic parcel buoyancy and cumulative CAPE in the lower troposphere. This comes from keeping a small fraction of the water vapor in a supersaturated state and thus reducing the latent heating. Such a lower-tropospheric impact is comparable to the effects of the condensate loading and entrainment in the idealized parcel framework. For the entire tropospheric depth, loading and entrainment have a much more significant impact on the total CAPE. For instance, an increase in the fractional entrainment rate from 0.05 km−1 to 0.3 km−1 reduces the theoretical level of neutral buoyancy from the upper to the middle troposphere and CAPE by a factor of 4. For the cloud model results, we compare ensemble simulations applying either a bulk microphysics scheme with saturation adjustment or a more comprehensive double-moment scheme with supersaturation prediction. The diagnosed bulk fractional entrainment rate, independent of the microphysics scheme applied in the simulations, is either 0.13 or 0.20 km−1 depending on whether we consider profiles of the upper end of the percentile range or of the mean in-cloud equivalent potential temperature. We compare deep convective updrafts, buoyancies, and supersaturations from all ensembles. In agreement with the parcel analysis, the saturation adjustment scheme provides noticeably stronger updrafts in the lower troposphere. For the simulations predicting supersaturation, there are small differences between pristine and polluted conditions below the freezing level that are difficult to explain by standard analysis of the in-cloud buoyancy components. By applying the piggybacking technique, we show that the lower-tropospheric buoyancy differences between pristine and polluted simulations come from a combination of temperature (i.e., latent heating) and condensate loading differences that work together to make polluted buoyancies and updraft velocities slightly larger when compared to their pristine analogues. Overall, the effects are rather small and contradict previous claims of a significant invigoration of deep convection in polluted environments.

scholarly journals Untangling Microphysical Impacts on Deep Convection Applying a Novel Modeling Methodology. Part II: Double-Moment Microphysics

2016 ◽  
Vol 73 (9) ◽  
pp. 3749-3770 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wojciech W. Grabowski ◽  
Hugh Morrison
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Cloud Condensation Nuclei ◽  
Deep Convection ◽  
Cloud Droplet ◽  
Cloud Base ◽  
Microphysics Scheme ◽  
Freezing Level ◽  
Modeling Methodology ◽  
Double Moment ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The suggested impact of pollution on deep convection dynamics, referred to as the convective invigoration, is investigated in simulations applying microphysical piggybacking and a comprehensive double-moment bulk microphysics scheme. The setup follows the case of daytime convective development over land based on observations during the Large-Scale Biosphere–Atmosphere (LBA) experiment in Amazonia. In contrast to previous simulations with single-moment microphysics schemes and in agreement with results from bin microphysics simulations by others, the impact of pollution simulated by the double-moment scheme is large for the upper-tropospheric convective anvils that feature higher cloud fractions in polluted conditions. The increase comes from purely microphysical considerations: namely, the increased cloud droplet concentrations in polluted conditions leading to the increased ice crystal concentrations and, consequently, smaller fall velocities and longer residence times. There is no impact on convective dynamics above the freezing level and thus no convective invigoration. Polluted deep convective clouds precipitate about 10% more than their pristine counterparts. The small enhancement comes from smaller supersaturations below the freezing level and higher buoyancies inside polluted convective updrafts with velocities between 5 and 10 m s−1. The simulated supersaturations are large, up to several percent in both pristine and polluted conditions, and they call into question results from deep convection simulations applying microphysical schemes with saturation adjustment. Sensitivity simulations show that the maximum supersaturations and the upper-tropospheric anvil cloud fractions strongly depend on the details of small cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) that can be activated in strong updrafts above the cloud base.

scholarly journals A Cumulus Parameterization with State-Dependent Entrainment Rate. Part I: Description and Sensitivity to Temperature and Humidity Profiles

2010 ◽  
Vol 67 (7) ◽  
pp. 2171-2193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Minoru Chikira ◽  
Masahiro Sugiyama
Keyword(s):  
General Circulation ◽  
Deep Convection ◽  
Convective Available Potential Energy ◽  
Lower Troposphere ◽  
South Pacific Convergence Zone ◽  
Cumulus Parameterization ◽  
Cloud Base ◽  
Convergence Zone ◽  
Entrainment Rate ◽  
Surrounding Environment

Abstract A new cumulus parameterization is developed for which an entraining plume model is adopted. The lateral entrainment rate varies vertically depending on the surrounding environment. Two different formulations are examined for the rate. The cumulus ensemble is spectrally represented according to the updraft velocity at cloud base. Cloud-base mass flux is determined with prognostic convective kinetic energy closure. The entrainment rate tends to be large near cloud base because of the small updraft velocity near that level. Deep convection tends to be suppressed when convective available potential energy is small because of upward reduction of in-cloud moist static energy. Dry environmental air significantly reduces in-cloud humidity mainly because of the large entrainment rate in the lower troposphere, which leads to suppression of deep convection, consistent with observations and previous results of cloud-resolving models. The change in entrainment rate has the potential to influence cumulus convection through many feedbacks. The results of an atmospheric general circulation model are improved in both climatology and variability. A representation of the South Pacific convergence zone and the double intertropical convergence zone is improved. The moist Kelvin waves are represented without empirical triggering schemes with a reasonable equivalent depth. A spectral analysis shows a strong signal of the Madden–Julian oscillation. The scheme provides new insights and better understanding of the interaction between cumuli and the surrounding environment.

scholarly journals Slow Preconditioning for the Abrupt Convective Jump over the Northwest Pacific during Summer

2016 ◽  
Vol 29 (22) ◽  
pp. 8103-8113 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenyu Zhou ◽  
Shang-Ping Xie ◽  
Zhen-Qiang Zhou
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
General Circulation ◽  
Asian Summer Monsoon ◽  
Deep Convection ◽  
Convective Available Potential Energy ◽  
Atmospheric Stability ◽  
Lower Troposphere ◽  
General Circulation Models ◽  
Northwest Pacific ◽  
Inversion Barrier

Abstract The rapid intensification of convective activity in mid-July over the northwest Pacific marks the final stage of the Asian summer monsoon, accompanied by major shifts in regional rainfall and circulation patterns. An entraining plume model is used to investigate the physical processes underlying the abrupt convective jump. Despite little change in sea surface temperature (SST), gradual lower-troposphere mixing leads to a threshold transition in the model as follows. Before mid-July, although SST is already high (29°C), the convective plume is inhibited by the capping inversion above the trade cumulus boundary layer. As the lower troposphere is gradually mixed, the boundary layer top rises with reduced atmospheric stability and increased humidity in the lower troposphere. These factors weaken the inhibition effect of the inversion on the entraining plume. As soon as the plume is able to overcome the inversion barrier, it can rise all the way to the upper troposphere. This marks an abrupt threshold transition to a deep convection regime with heavy rainfall. The convective available potential energy (CAPE) of the entraining plume is found to be a better indicator of the rainfall intensity compared to the conventional undiluted CAPE. The latter fails to capture the onset by neglecting interactions between convective clouds and the environment. Current general circulation models (GCMs) fail to capture the abrupt convective jump and instead simulate a rather smooth seasonal evolution of rainfall. Compared to observations, GCMs simulate a higher trade cumulus top with excessive mixing in the lower troposphere. Convection is no longer inhibited by the inversion barrier, and rainfall simply follows the smooth variation of SST.

Reply to “Comments on ‘Do Ultrafine Cloud Condensation Nuclei Invigorate Deep Convection?’”

2021 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 341-350
Author(s):  
Wojciech W. Grabowski ◽  
Hugh Morrison
Keyword(s):  
Negative Impact ◽  
Cloud Condensation Nuclei ◽  
Deep Convection ◽  
Diagnostic Technique ◽  
Cloud Water ◽  
Latent Heating ◽  
Condensation Nuclei ◽  
Modeling Framework ◽  
Microphysics Scheme ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThis is a rebuttal of Fan and Khain’s comments (hereafter FK21) on a 2020 paper by Grabowski and Morrison (hereafter GM20) that questions the impact of ultrafine cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) on deep convection. GM20 argues that “cold invigoration,” an increase of the updraft speed from lofting and freezing of additional cloud water in polluted environments, is unlikely because the latent heating from freezing of this cloud water approximately recovers the negative impact on the buoyancy from the weight of this water. FK21 suggest a variety of processes that could invalidate our claim. We maintain that our argument is valid and invite the authors to compare their microphysics scheme with ours in the same simplified modeling framework. However, pollution does affect the partitioning of latent heating within the column and likely leads to convection changes beyond a single diurnal cycle through larger-scale circulation changes. This argument explains impacts seen in our idealized mesoscale simulations and in convective–radiative equilibrium simulations by others. We agree with FK21 on the existence of a “warm invigoration” mechanism but question its interpretation. Consistent with the simulations in GM20, we argue that changes in the buoyancy can be explained by the response of the supersaturation to droplet microphysical changes induced by pollution. The buoyancy change is determined by supersaturation differences between pristine and polluted conditions, while condensation rate responds to these supersaturation changes. Finally, we agree with FK21 that the piggybacking modeling technique cannot prove or disprove invigoration; rather, it is a diagnostic technique that can be used to understand mechanisms driving simulation differences.

scholarly journals On the effects of vertical air velocity on winter precipitation types

2007 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 231-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. M. Thériault ◽  
R. E. Stewart
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Model ◽  
Weather Conditions ◽  
Temperature Inversion ◽  
Winter Precipitation ◽  
Freezing Rain ◽  
Microphysics Scheme ◽  
Air Mass ◽  
Surface Precipitation ◽  
Wet Snow ◽  
Double Moment

Abstract. The various precipitation types formed within winter storms (such as snow, wet snow and freezing rain) often lead to very hazardous weather conditions. These types of precipitation often occur during the passage of a warm front as a warm air mass ascends over a cold air mass. To address this issue further, we used a one-dimensional kinematic cloud model to simulate this gentle ascent (≤10 cm/s) of warm air. The initial temperature profile has an above 0°C inversion, a lower subfreezing layer, and precipitation falls from above the temperature inversion. The cloud model is coupled to a double-moment microphysics scheme that simulates the production of various types of winter precipitation. The results are compared with those from a previous study carried out in still air. Based on the temporal evolution of surface precipitation, snow reaches the surface significantly faster than in still air whereas other precipitation types including freezing rain and ice pellets have a shorter duration. Overall, even weak background vertical ascent has an important impact on the precipitation reaching the surface, the time of the elimination of the melting layer, and also the evolution of the lower subfreezing layer.

scholarly journals The Relative Impact of Ice Fall Speeds and Microphysics Parameterization Complexity on Supercell Evolution

2019 ◽  
Vol 147 (7) ◽  
pp. 2403-2415 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas M. Falk ◽  
Adele L. Igel ◽  
Matthew R. Igel
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Model ◽  
Atmospheric Modeling ◽  
Microphysics Scheme ◽  
Mixing Ratios ◽  
Cold Pools ◽  
Precipitation Characteristics ◽  
Double Moment ◽  
Fall Speed ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Regional Atmospheric Modeling

Abstract The use of bin or bulk microphysics schemes in model simulations frequently produces large changes in the simulated storm and precipitation characteristics, but it is still unclear which aspects of these schemes give rise to these changes. In this study, supercell simulations using either a bin or a double-moment bulk microphysics scheme are conducted with the Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS). The two simulations produce very different storm morphologies. An additional simulation is run for each scheme in which the diameter–fall speed relationships for ice hydrometeors are modified to be similar to those used by the other scheme. When fall speed relationships are homogenized, the two parameterization schemes simulate similar storm morphology. Therefore, despite the use of largely dissimilar approaches to parameterizing microphysics, the difference in storm morphology is found to be related to the choice of diameter–fall speed relationships for ice hydrometeors. This result is investigated further to understand why. Higher fall speeds lead to higher mixing ratios of hydrometeors at low levels and thus more melting. Consequently, stronger downdrafts and cold pools exist in the high fall speed storms, and these stronger cold pools lead to storm splitting and the intensification of a left mover. The results point to the importance of hydrometeor fall speed on the evolution of supercells. It is also suggested that caution be used when comparing the response of a cloud model to different classes of microphysics schemes since the assumptions made by the schemes may be more important than the scheme class itself.

scholarly journals Connections between Potential Vorticity Intrusions and Convection in the Eastern Tropical Pacific

2008 ◽  
Vol 65 (3) ◽  
pp. 987-1002 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatriz M. Funatsu ◽  
Darryn W. Waugh
Keyword(s):  
Potential Vorticity ◽  
Mesoscale Model ◽  
Dominant Role ◽  
Deep Convection ◽  
Convective Available Potential Energy ◽  
Lower Troposphere ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Upward Motion ◽  
Tropical Eastern Pacific ◽  
Upper Level

Abstract The connections between intrusions of stratospheric air into the upper troposphere and deep convection in the tropical eastern Pacific are examined using a combination of data analysis, potential vorticity (PV) inversion, and numerical simulations. Analysis of NCEP–NCAR reanalyses and satellite measurements of outgoing longwave radiation during intrusion events shows increased cloudiness, lower static stability, upward motion, and a buildup of convective available potential energy (CAPE) at the leading edge of the intruding tongue of high PV. Potential inversion inversion calculations show that the upper-level PV makes the dominant contribution to the changes in the quantities that characterize convection. This supports the hypothesis that upper-level PV anomalies initiate and support convection by destabilizing the lower troposphere and causing upward motion ahead on the PV tongue. The dominant role of the upper-level PV is confirmed by simulations using the fifth-generation Pennsylvania State University–NCAR Mesoscale Model (MM5). Convection only occurs when the upper-level PV anomaly is present in the simulations, and the relative contribution of the upper-level PV to changes in the quantities that characterize convection is similar to that inferred from the PV inversion calculations.

scholarly journals Inter-Zone Differences of Convective Development in a Convection Outbreak Event over Southeastern Coast of China: An Observational Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 131
Author(s):  
Yipeng Huang ◽  
Murong Zhang ◽  
Yuchun Zhao ◽  
Ben Jong-Dao Jou ◽  
Hui Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Early Stage ◽  
Deep Convection ◽  
Convective Available Potential Energy ◽  
Convective Initiation ◽  
Southeastern Coast ◽  
Freezing Level ◽  
Convective Clouds ◽  
Severe Convection ◽  
Environmental Variations ◽  
Wind Shears

Among the densely-populated coastal areas of China, the southeastern coast has received less attention in convective development despite having been suffering from significantly increasing thunderstorm activities. The convective complexity under such a region with extremely complex underlying and convective conditions deserves in-depth observational surveys. This present study examined a high-impact convection outbreak event with over 40 hail reports in the southeastern coast of China on 6 May 2020 by focusing on contrasting the convective development (from convective initiation to supercell occurrences) among three adjacent convection-active zones (north (N), middle (M), and south (S)). The areas from N to S featured overall flatter terrain, higher levels of free convection, lower relative humidity, larger convective inhibition, more convective available potential energy, and greater vertical wind shears. With these mesoscale environmental variations, distinct inter-zone differences in the convective development were observed with the region’s surveillance radar network and the Himawari-8 geostationary satellite. Convection initiated in succession from N to S and began with more warm-rain processes in N and M and more ice-phase processes in S. The subsequent convection underwent more vigorous vertical growth from N to S. The extremely deep convection in S was characterized by the considerably strong precipitation above the freezing level, echo tops of up to 18 km, and a great amount of deep (even overshooting) and thick convective clouds with significant cloud-top glaciation. Horizontal anvil expansion in convective clouds was uniquely apparent over S. From N to S, more pronounced mesocyclone and weak-echo region signatures indicated high risks of severe supercell hailstorms. These results demonstrate the strong linkage between the occurrence likelihood of severe convection and associated weather (such as supercells and hailstones) and the early-stage convective development that can be well-captured by high-resolution observations and may facilitate fine-scale convection nowcasting.

scholarly journals Uncertainty from the choice of microphysics scheme in convection-permitting models significantly exceeds aerosol effects

2017 ◽  
Vol 17 (19) ◽  
pp. 12145-12175 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bethan White ◽  
Edward Gryspeerdt ◽  
Philip Stier ◽  
Hugh Morrison ◽  
Gregory Thompson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Deep Convection ◽  
Cloud Droplet ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Congo Basin ◽  
Dominant Factor ◽  
Data Simulation ◽  
Microphysics Scheme ◽  
Modelling Studies ◽  
Double Moment ◽  
Aerosol Effects

Abstract. This study investigates the hydrometeor development and response to cloud droplet number concentration (CDNC) perturbations in convection-permitting model configurations. We present results from a real-data simulation of deep convection in the Congo basin, an idealised supercell case, and a warm-rain large-eddy simulation (LES). In each case we compare two frequently used double-moment bulk microphysics schemes and investigate the response to CDNC perturbations. We find that the variability among the two schemes, including the response to aerosol, differs widely between these cases. In all cases, differences in the simulated cloud morphology and precipitation are found to be significantly greater between the microphysics schemes than due to CDNC perturbations within each scheme. Further, we show that the response of the hydrometeors to CDNC perturbations differs strongly not only between microphysics schemes, but the inter-scheme variability also differs between cases of convection. Sensitivity tests show that the representation of autoconversion is the dominant factor that drives differences in rain production between the microphysics schemes in the idealised precipitating shallow cumulus case and in a subregion of the Congo basin simulations dominated by liquid-phase processes. In this region, rain mass is also shown to be relatively insensitive to the radiative effects of an overlying layer of ice-phase cloud. The conversion of cloud ice to snow is the process responsible for differences in cold cloud bias between the schemes in the Congo. In the idealised supercell case, thermodynamic impacts on the storm system using different microphysics parameterisations can equal those due to aerosol effects. These results highlight the large uncertainty in cloud and precipitation responses to aerosol in convection-permitting simulations and have important implications not only for process studies of aerosol–convection interaction, but also for global modelling studies of aerosol indirect effects. These results indicate the continuing need for tighter observational constraints of cloud processes and response to aerosol in a range of meteorological regimes.

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