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Parameterization of bulk condensation in numerical cloud modelsThe accuracy of the moist saturation adjustment scheme has been evaluated using a three-dimensional explicit microphysical cloud model. It was found that the error in saturation adjustment depends strongly on the Cloud Condensation Nucleii (CCN) concentration in the ambient atmosphere. The scheme provides rather accurate results in the case where a sufficiently large number of CCN (on the order of several hundred per cubic centimeter) is available. However, under conditions typical of marine stratocumulus cloud layers with low CCN concentration, the error in the amounts of condensed water vapor and released latent heat may be as large as 40%-50%. A revision of the saturation adjustment scheme is devised that employs the CCN concentration, dynamical supersaturation, and cloud water content as additional variables in the calculation of the condensation rate. The revised condensation model reduced the error in maximum updraft and cloud water content in the climatically significant case of marine stratocumulus cloud layers by an order of magnitude.
Document ID
19950028440
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Kogan, Yefim L.
(Univ. of Oklahoma, Norman, OK United States)
Martin, William J.
(Univ. of Oklahoma, Norman, OK United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
June 15, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences
Volume: 51
Issue: 12
ISSN: 0022-4928
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Accession Number
95A60039
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: DOE144880-A91
CONTRACT_GRANT: NA36GP0334
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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