Parameterization of Cloud Microphysics Based on the Prediction of Bulk Ice Particle Properties. Part I: Scheme Description and Idealized Tests

Abstract A method for the parameterization of ice-phase microphysics is proposed and used to develop a new bulk microphysics scheme. All ice-phase particles are represented by several physical properties that evolve freely in time and space. The scheme prognoses four ice mixing ratio variables, total mass, rime mass, rime volume, and number, allowing 4 degrees of freedom for representing the particle properties using a single category. This approach represents a significant departure from traditional microphysics schemes in which ice-phase hydrometeors are partitioned into various predefined categories (e.g., cloud ice, snow, and graupel) with prescribed characteristics. The liquid-phase component of the new…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: ATM-0425247, 0425247
• UD
  U.S. Department of Energy

  Award: DE-SC0008648
• NA
  National Aeronautics and Space Administration

  Award: NNX12AH90G
• NC
  National Center for Atmospheric Research
• CS
  Colorado State University

  Award: ATM-0425247