Simulation of Effects of Atmospheric Aerosols on Deep Turbulent Convective Clouds Using a Spectral Microphysics Mixed-Phase Cumulus Cloud Model. Part I: Model Description and Possible Applications

TLDR

The study presents an updated spectral microphysics cloud model (HUCM) and investigates how aerosols reduce precipitation efficiency in deep convective clouds. The HUCM solves coupled size‑distribution equations for seven hydrometeor species and aerosol CCN using 33 mass bins, incorporating breakup and melting schemes to reproduce narrow droplet spectra and precipitation processes in smoky deep convective clouds. Higher aerosol loads reduce precipitation from single deep convective clouds and alter the vertical heating profile, requiring higher cloud tops to maintain similar precipitation rates.

Abstract

Abstract An updated version of the spectral (bin) microphysics cloud model developed at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem [the Hebrew University Cloud Model (HUCM)] is described. The model microphysics is based on the solution of the equation system for size distribution functions of cloud hydrometeors of seven types (water drops, plate-, columnar-, and branch-like ice crystals, aggregates, graupel, and hail/frozen drops) as well as for the size distribution function of aerosol particles playing the role of cloud condensational nuclei (CCN). Each size distribution function contains 33 mass bins. The conditions allowing numerical reproduction of a narrow droplet spectrum up to the level of homogeneous freezing in deep convective clouds developed in smoky air are discussed and illustrated using as an example Rosenfeld and Woodley's case of deep Texas clouds. The effects of breakup on precipitation are illustrated by the use of a new collisional breakup scheme. Variation of the microphysical structure of a melting layer is illustrated by using the novel melting procedure. It is shown that an increase in the aerosol concentration leads to a decrease in precipitation from single clouds both under continental and maritime conditions. To provide similar precipitation, a cloud developed in smoky air should have a higher top height. The mechanisms are discussed through which aerosols decrease precipitation efficiency. It is shown that aerosols affect the vertical profile of the convective heating caused by latent heat release.