Linkage Between the Vertical Evolution of Clouds and Droplet Growth Modes as Seen From FY‐4A AGRI and GPM DPR

Abstract

Abstract Based on matched scans from the FY‐4A satellite's Advanced Geostationary Radiation Imager (AGRI) and the NASA/JAXA Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Core Observatory's Dual‐frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR), the microphysical mechanisms of the derived vertical evolution of cloud effective radius ( R e ) and its correspondence with precipitation droplet growth modes are revealed in this study. The results show that there were two turning points in the R e vertical evolution, which divided the R e profile into solid‐phase, mixed‐phase, and liquid‐phase zones from top to bottom. There were also two turning points in the upper layer of DPR reflectivity, which showed good correspondence with R e turning points in both height and physical sense. The main droplet growth modes in the three zones are nucleation/glaciation, deposition, and riming, respectively. The linkage between R e vertical evolution and droplet growth modes would be useful in real‐time monitoring of cloud microphysical processes.