scholarly journals Modeling low-level clouds over the Okhotsk Sea in summer: Cloud formation and its effects on the Okhotsk high

2012 ◽  
Vol 117 (D5) ◽  
pp. n/a-n/a ◽  
Author(s):  
Shunya Koseki ◽  
Tomohiro Nakamura ◽  
Humio Mitsudera ◽  
Yuqing Wang
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Formation ◽  
Okhotsk Sea ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Okhotsk High

A Case Study of a Ross Ice Shelf Airstream Event: A New Perspective*

2009 ◽  
Vol 137 (11) ◽  
pp. 4030-4046 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel F. Steinhoff ◽  
Saptarshi Chaudhuri ◽  
David H. Bromwich
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Model Performance ◽  
Thermal Infrared ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Cloud Formation ◽  
Synoptic Scale ◽  
Ice Shelf ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Ross Ice Shelf

Abstract A case study illustrating cloud processes and other features associated with the Ross Ice Shelf airstream (RAS), in Antarctica, is presented. The RAS is a semipermanent low-level wind regime primarily over the western Ross Ice Shelf, linked to the midlatitude circulation and formed from terrain-induced and large-scale forcing effects. An integrated approach utilizes Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite imagery, automatic weather station (AWS) data, and Antarctic Mesoscale Prediction System (AMPS) forecast output to study the synoptic-scale and mesoscale phenomena involved in cloud formation over the Ross Ice Shelf during a RAS event. A synoptic-scale cyclone offshore of Marie Byrd Land draws moisture across West Antarctica to the southern base of the Ross Ice Shelf. Vertical lifting associated with flow around the Queen Maud Mountains leads to cloud formation that extends across the Ross Ice Shelf to the north. The low-level cloud has a warm signature in thermal infrared imagery, resembling a surface feature of turbulent katabatic flow typically ascribed to the RAS. Strategically placed AWS sites allow assessment of model performance within and outside of the RAS signature. AMPS provides realistic simulation of conditions aloft but experiences problems at low levels due to issues with the model PBL physics. Key meteorological features of this case study, within the context of previous studies on longer time scales, are inferred to be common occurrences. The assumption that warm thermal infrared signatures are surface features is found to be too restrictive.

scholarly journals Processes contributing to cloud dissipation and formation events on the North Slope of Alaska

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (5) ◽  
pp. 4149-4167
Author(s):  
Joseph Sedlar ◽  
Adele Igel ◽  
Hagen Telg
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Formation ◽  
North Slope ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Air Mass ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Clear Sky ◽  
The North ◽  
Synoptic Conditions ◽  
North Slope Of Alaska ◽  
Low Cloud

Abstract. Clear-sky periods across the high latitudes have profound impacts on the surface energy budget and lower atmospheric stratification; however an understanding of the atmospheric processes leading to low-level cloud dissipation and formation events is limited. A method to identify clear periods at Utqiaġvik (formerly Barrow), Alaska, during a 5-year period (2014–2018) is developed. A suite of remote sensing and in situ measurements from the high-latitude observatory are analyzed; we focus on comparing and contrasting atmospheric properties during low-level (below 2 km) cloud dissipation and formation events to understand the processes controlling clear-sky periods. Vertical profiles of lidar backscatter suggest that aerosol presence across the lower atmosphere is relatively invariant during the periods bookending clear conditions, which suggests that a sparsity of aerosol is not frequently a cause for cloud dissipation on the North Slope of Alaska. Further, meteorological analysis indicates two active processes ongoing that appear to support the formation of low clouds after a clear-sky period: namely, horizontal advection, which was dominant in winter and early spring, and quiescent air mass modification, which was dominant in the summer. During summer, the dominant mode of cloud formation is a low cloud or fog layer developing near the surface. This low cloud formation is driven largely by air mass modification under relatively quiescent synoptic conditions. Near-surface aerosol particles concentrations changed by a factor of 2 around summer formation events. Thermodynamic adjustment and increased aerosol presence under quiescent atmospheric conditions are hypothesized as important mechanisms for fog formation.

scholarly journals Observations of Wall Cloud Formation in Supercell Thunderstorms during VORTEX2

2014 ◽  
Vol 142 (12) ◽  
pp. 4823-4838 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nolan T. Atkins ◽  
Eva M. Glidden ◽  
Timothy M. Nicholson
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Conceptual Models ◽  
Flank Region ◽  
The Other ◽  
Cloud Formation ◽  
Cloud Base ◽  
Integrated Analysis ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Rotating Wall ◽  
Supercell Thunderstorms

Abstract This study presents an integrated analysis of dual-Doppler, cloud photogrammetry, surface mobile mesonet, and sounding data to examine wall cloud formation in two supercells observed during the Verification of the Origins of Rotation in Tornadoes Experiment II (VORTEX2). One of the wall clouds contained significant rotation and spawned an (enhanced Fujita) EF2 tornado, while the other was clearly displaced horizontally from the mesocyclone and exhibited little rotation at the time of data collection. Backward parcel trajectories show that the majority of the air entering the wall cloud base originates in the forward-flank region. A small fraction of the parcels enter the wall cloud base from the inflow. Some rear-flank downdraft parcels descend into the strongly rotating wall cloud. For both wall clouds, much of the observed wall cloud lowering is attributed to evaporatively cooled parcels in the forward-flank region being ingested into the low-level updraft. Additional wall cloud-base lowering is observed near the circulation center of the strongly rotating wall cloud. This localized lowering is created by the pressure deficit and associated cooling. The observational results presented herein are compared to long-standing wall cloud formation conceptual models published in the refereed literature.

Using the GOES-16 Split Window Difference to Detect a Boundary prior to Cloud Formation

2018 ◽  
Vol 99 (8) ◽  
pp. 1541-1544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel T. Lindsey ◽  
Dan Bikos ◽  
Lewis Grasso
Keyword(s):  
Water Vapor ◽  
Infrared Spectrum ◽  
Temporal Resolution ◽  
Cloud Formation ◽  
Operational Forecast ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Spectral Bands ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Local Water

AbstractGeostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-16 (GOES-16) was launched into geostationary orbit in late 2016 and began providing unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution imagery early in 2017. Its Advanced Baseline Imager has additional spectral bands including two in the “clear” window and “dirty window” portion of the infrared spectrum, and the difference of these two bands, sometimes called the split window difference, provides unique information about low-level water vapor. Under certain conditions, low-level convergence along a boundary can cause local water vapor pooling, and the signal of this pooling can sometimes be detected by GOES-16 prior to any cloud formation. This case study from 15 June 2017 illustrates how the technique might be used in an operational forecast setting. A boundary in western Kansas was detected using the split window difference more than 2 h before the first cloud formed.

scholarly journals A long-term study of cloud residuals from low-level Arctic clouds

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 8933-8959
Author(s):  
Linn Karlsson ◽  
Radovan Krejci ◽  
Makoto Koike ◽  
Kerstin Ebell ◽  
Paul Zieger
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Formation ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Size Distributions ◽  
Term Study ◽  
Inlet System ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Minimum Concentration ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Long Term Study

Abstract. To constrain uncertainties in radiative forcings associated with aerosol–cloud interactions, improved understanding of Arctic cloud formation is required, yet long-term measurements of the relevant cloud and aerosol properties remain sparse. We present the first long-term study of cloud residuals, i.e. particles that were involved in cloud formation and cloud processes, in Arctic low-level clouds measured at Zeppelin Observatory, Svalbard. To continuously sample cloud droplets and ice crystals and separate them from non-activated aerosol, a ground-based counter-flow virtual impactor inlet system (GCVI) was used. A detailed evaluation of the GCVI measurements, using concurrent cloud particle size distributions, meteorological parameters, and aerosol measurements, is presented for both warm and cold clouds, and the potential contribution of sampling artefacts is discussed in detail. We find an excellent agreement of the GCVI sampling efficiency of liquid clouds using two independent approaches. The 2-year data set of cloud residual size distributions and number concentrations reveals that the cloud residuals follow the typical seasonal cycle of Arctic aerosol, with a maximum concentration in spring and summer and a minimum concentration in the late autumn and winter months. We observed average activation diameters in the range of 58–78 nm for updraught velocities below 1 m s−1. A cluster analysis also revealed cloud residual size distributions that were dominated by Aitken mode particles down to around 20–30 nm. During the winter months, some of these small particles may be the result of ice, snow, or ice crystal shattering artefacts in the GCVI inlet; however, cloud residuals down to 20 nm in size were also observed during conditions when artefacts are less likely.

scholarly journals Numerical simulation of a winter hailstorm event over Delhi, India on 17 January 2013

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (9) ◽  
pp. 6033-6067
Author(s):  
A. Chevuturi ◽  
A. P. Dimri ◽  
U. B. Gunturu
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Simulation ◽  
Deep Convection ◽  
Baroclinic Instability ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Cloud Formation ◽  
New Delhi ◽  
National Capital Region ◽  
Microphysics Scheme ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Upper Level

Abstract. This study analyzes the cause of rare occurrence of winter hailstorm over New Delhi/NCR (National Capital Region), India. The absence of increased surface temperature or low level of moisture incursion during winter cannot generate the deep convection required for sustaining a hailstorm. Consequently, NCR shows very few cases of hailstorms in the months of December-January-February, making the winter hail formation a question of interest. For this study, recent winter hailstorm event on 17 January 2013 (16:00–18:00 UTC) occurring over NCR is investigated. The storm is simulated using Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with Goddard Cumulus Ensemble (GCE) microphysics scheme with two different options, hail or graupel. The aim of the study is to understand and describe the cause of hailstorm event during over NCR with comparative analysis of the two options of GCE microphysics. On evaluating the model simulations, it is observed that hail option shows similar precipitation intensity with TRMM observation than the graupel option and is able to simulate hail precipitation. Using the model simulated output with hail option; detailed investigation on understanding the dynamics of hailstorm is performed. The analysis based on numerical simulation suggests that the deep instability in the atmospheric column led to the formation of hailstones as the cloud formation reached upto the glaciated zone promoting ice nucleation. In winters, such instability conditions rarely form due to low level available potential energy and moisture incursion along with upper level baroclinic instability due to the presence of WD. Such rare positioning is found to be lowering the tropopause with increased temperature gradient, leading to winter hailstorm formation.

scholarly journals Numerical simulation of a rare winter hailstorm event over Delhi, India on 17 January 2013

2014 ◽  
Vol 14 (12) ◽  
pp. 3331-3344 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Chevuturi ◽  
A. P. Dimri ◽  
U. B. Gunturu
Keyword(s):  
Numerical Simulation ◽  
Deep Convection ◽  
Baroclinic Instability ◽  
Wrf Model ◽  
Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission ◽  
Cloud Formation ◽  
New Delhi ◽  
National Capital Region ◽  
Microphysics Scheme ◽  
Low Level

Abstract. This study analyzes the cause of the rare occurrence of a winter hailstorm over New Delhi/NCR (National Capital Region), India. The absence of increased surface temperature or low level of moisture incursion during winter cannot generate the deep convection required for sustaining a hailstorm. Consequently, NCR shows very few cases of hailstorms in the months of December-January-February, making the winter hail formation a question of interest. For this study, a recent winter hailstorm event on 17 January 2013 (16:00–18:00 UTC) occurring over NCR is investigated. The storm is simulated using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model with the Goddard Cumulus Ensemble (GCE) microphysics scheme with two different options: hail and graupel. The aim of the study is to understand and describe the cause of hailstorm event during over NCR with a comparative analysis of the two options of GCE microphysics. Upon evaluating the model simulations, it is observed that the hail option shows a more similar precipitation intensity with the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) observation than the graupel option does, and it is able to simulate hail precipitation. Using the model-simulated output with the hail option; detailed investigation on understanding the dynamics of hailstorm is performed. The analysis based on a numerical simulation suggests that the deep instability in the atmospheric column led to the formation of hailstones as the cloud formation reached up to the glaciated zone promoting ice nucleation. In winters, such instability conditions rarely form due to low level available potential energy and moisture incursion along with upper level baroclinic instability due to the presence of a western disturbance (WD). Such rare positioning is found to be lowering the tropopause with increased temperature gradient, leading to winter hailstorm formation.

scholarly journals The life cycle of nocturnal low-level clouds over southern West Africa analysed using high-resolution simulations

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bianca Adler ◽  
Norbert Kalthoff ◽  
Leonhard Gantner
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
West Africa ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Monsoon Season ◽  
Cloud Formation ◽  
Field Campaign ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Low Level Jet ◽  
Spatio Temporal

Abstract. We performed a high-resolution numerical simulation to study the life cycle of extensive low-level clouds which frequently form over southern West Africa during the monsoon season. This study was made in preparation for a field campaign in 2016 within the Dynamics-aerosol-chemistry-cloud interactions in West Africa (DACCIWA) project and focuses on an area around the city of Save in southern Benin. Nocturnal low-level clouds evolve a few hundred metres above the ground around the same level as a distinct low-level jet. Several processes are found to determine the spatio-temporal evolution of these clouds including (i) significant cooling of the nocturnal atmosphere due to horizontal advection with the south-westerly monsoon flow during the first half of the night, (ii) vertical cold air advection due to gravity waves leading to clouds in the wave crests and (iii) enhanced convergence and upward motion upstream of existing clouds that trigger new clouds. The latter is caused by an upward shift of the low-level jet in cloudy areas leading to horizontal convergence in the lower part and to horizontal divergence in the upper part of the cloud layer. Although this single case study hardly allows for a generalisation of the processes found, the results added to the optimisation of the measurements strategy for the field campaign and the observations will be used to the test the hypotheses for cloud formation resulting from this study.

scholarly journals Breakup of nocturnal low-level stratiform clouds during the southern West African monsoon season

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 2027-2051
Author(s):  
Maurin Zouzoua ◽  
Fabienne Lohou ◽  
Paul Assamoi ◽  
Marie Lothon ◽  
Véronique Yoboue ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
West Africa ◽  
Early Morning ◽  
Cloud Formation ◽  
Cloud Base ◽  
Liquid Water Path ◽  
Stratiform Cloud ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Convective Clouds ◽  
Stratiform Clouds ◽  
Lifting Condensation Level

Abstract. Within the framework of the DACCIWA (Dynamics–Aerosol–Chemistry–Cloud Interactions in West Africa) project and based on a field experiment conducted in June and July 2016, we analyze the daytime breakup of continental low-level stratiform clouds in southern West Africa. We use the observational data gathered during 22 precipitation-free occurrences at Savè, Benin. Our analysis, which starts from the stratiform cloud formation usually at night, focuses on the role played by the coupling between cloud and surface in the transition towards shallow convective clouds during daytime. It is based on several diagnostics, including the Richardson number and various cloud macrophysical properties. The distance between the cloud base height and lifting condensation level is used as a criterion of coupling. We also make an attempt to estimate the most predominant terms of the liquid water path budget in the early morning. When the nocturnal low-level stratiform cloud forms, it is decoupled from the surface except in one case. In the early morning, the cloud is found coupled with the surface in 9 cases and remains decoupled in the 13 other cases. The coupling, which occurs within the 4 h after cloud formation, is accompanied by cloud base lowering and near-neutral thermal stability in the subcloud layer. Further, at the initial stage of the transition, the stratiform cloud base is slightly cooler, wetter and more homogeneous in coupled cases. The moisture jump at the cloud top is usually found to be lower than 2 g kg−1 and the temperature jump within 1–5 K, which is significantly smaller than typical marine stratocumulus and explained by the monsoon flow environment in which the stratiform cloud develops over West Africa. No significant difference in liquid water path budget terms was found between coupled and decoupled cases. In agreement with previous numerical studies, we found that the stratiform cloud maintenance before sunrise results from the interplay between the predominant radiative cooling, entrainment and large-scale subsidence at its top. Three transition scenarios were observed depending on the state of coupling at the initial stage. In coupled cases, the low-level stratiform cloud remains coupled until its breakup. In five of the decoupled cases, the cloud couples with the surface as the lifting condensation level rises. In the eight remaining cases, the stratiform cloud remains hypothetically decoupled from the surface throughout its life cycle since the height of its base remains separated from the condensation level. In cases of coupling during the transition, the stratiform cloud base lifts with the growing convective boundary layer roughly between 06:30 and 08:00 UTC. The cloud deck breakup, occurring at 11:00 UTC or later, leads to the formation of shallow convective clouds. When the decoupling subsists, shallow cumulus clouds form below the stratiform cloud deck between 06:30 and 09:00 UTC. The breakup time in this scenario has a stronger variability and occurs before 11:00 UTC in most cases. Thus, we argue that the coupling with the surface during daytime hours has a crucial role in the low-level stratiform cloud maintenance and its transition towards shallow convective clouds.

scholarly journals The role of nanoparticles in Arctic cloud formation

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Linn Karlsson ◽  
Radovan Krejci ◽  
Makoto Koike ◽  
Kerstin Ebell ◽  
Paul Zieger
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Formation ◽  
Inlet System ◽  
Arctic Clouds ◽  
Radiative Forcings ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Long Term Study ◽  
Aerosol Cloud Interactions ◽  
Mixed Phase Clouds

Abstract. To constrain uncertainties in radiative forcings associated with aerosol--cloud interactions, improved understanding of Arctic cloud formation is required, yet long-term measurements of the relevant cloud and aerosol properties remain sparse. We present the first long-term study of cloud residuals, i.e. particles that were involved in cloud formation, and ambient aerosol particles in Arctic low-level clouds measured at Zeppelin Observatory, Svalbard. A detailed evaluation of the ground-based counter-flow virtual impactor inlet system is also presented. Cloud residuals as small as 15 nm are routinely observed especially during the dark period and are potentially linked to ice, supporting prior work suggesting that classical droplet activation is not the only relevant process in the formation of Arctic low-level clouds. The reported measurements and findings provide a new basis for improving our understanding of Arctic clouds and for developing robust parameterisations of mixed-phase clouds in Earth system models.

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