Investigation of Droplet Size Distributions and Drizzle Formation Using a New Trajectory Ensemble Model. Part I: Model Description and First Results in a Nonmixing Limit

Abstract

A novel trajectory ensemble model of a stratocumulus cloud is described. In this model, the boundary layer (BL) is fully covered by a great number of Lagrangian air parcels that during their motion can contain either wet aerosols or aerosols and droplets. The diffusion growth of aerosols and droplets, as well as drop collisions, is accurately described in each parcel. Droplet sedimentation is taken into account, which allows simulation of precipitation formation. The Lagrangian parcels are advected by the velocity field generated by the turbulent-like flow model obeying turbulent correlation laws. The output of the numerical model includes droplet and aerosol size distributions and their moments, such as droplet concentration, droplet spectrum width, cloud water content, drizzle content, radar reflectivity, etc., calculated in each parcel. Horizontally averaged values are calculated as well. Stratocumulus clouds observed during two research flights (RF01 and RF07) in the Second Dynamics and Chemistry of Marine Stratocumulus (DYCOMS II) field campaign are simulated. A good agreement between the dynamical and microphysical structures simulated by the model with observations is obtained even in the nonmixing limit. A crucial role of sedimentation for the creation of a realistic cloud microphysical structure is demonstrated. In sensitivity studies, the statistical stability of the model is analyzed. Applications of the model for the investigation of droplet size distribution and drizzle formation are discussed, as is the possible utilization of the model for remote sensing applications.