A Numerical Model of the Effects of Seeding on the Evolution of a Lake-Effect Storm

Abstract

The simulation of crystal growth by diffusion and by accretion of cloud droplets is incorporated into the Lavoie mesoscale numerical model for lake-effect storms. The model also allows simulation of seeding and its effect on changing the precipitation growth mode from riming to diffusion. Precipitation particle trajectories are computed so that the effects of seeding on snowfall distribution can be simulated. The model's predictions agree well with observations of nonseeded cases and, in terms of computer time, the model is sufficiently practical to allow experimentation with various seeding strategies under various meteorological conditions. Numerical seeding experiments with the model indicate that optimum seeding strategies can shift the characteristic localized heavy snowfalls to areas where their effect will be less damaging.