Modelling mixed-phase clouds with the large-eddy model UCLALES-SALSA

• Main Authors: Romakkaniemi S, Korhonen H, Kokkola H, Tonttila J, Raatikainen T, Ahola J
• Other Authors: sovellettu matematiikka, Applied Mathematics, 2606102
• Language: English
• Published: COPERNICUS GESELLSCHAFT MBH 2022
• Subjects: Arctic
• Online Access: https://www.utupub.fi/handle/10024/165841

The large-eddy model UCLALES-SALSA, with an exceptionally detailed aerosol description for both aerosol number and chemical composition, has been extended for ice and mixed-phase clouds. Comparison to a previous mixed-phase cloud model intercomparison study confirmed the accuracy of newly implemented ice microphysics. A further simulation with a heterogeneous ice nucleation scheme, in which ice-nucleating particles (INPs) are also a prognostic variable, captured the typical layered structure of Arctic mid-altitude mixed-phase cloud: a liquid layer near cloud top and ice within and below the liquid layer. In addition, the simulation showed a realistic freezing rate of droplets within the vertical cloud structure. The represented detailed sectional ice microphysics with prognostic aerosols is crucially important in reproducing mixed-phase clouds.