Characterising Ice Particle Size Distributions
LOCATION
Pepper Ln
Reading RG6 6EW
Cloud microphysics modulates the timing and intensity of precipitation, extent and duration of cloud cover and radiative transfer through the atmosphere. Uncertainties in the representation of Particle Size Distributions (PSDs) cause inaccuracies in the numerical weather prediction (NWP) model output, which has negative impacts on forecast and climate predictions. In this study, observations made during the PICASSO (Parameterising Ice Cloud using Airborne obServationS and triple frequency dOppler radar) field campaign in the UK are used. During this campaign, a research aircraft made several flights through different ice and mixed-phase cloud species at varying altitudes. This captured information on a range of microphysical regimes. We compare these observations against the double moment microphysics scheme CASIM (Cloud AeroSol Interacting Microphysics) which is being developed at the UK Met Office. The parameterised PSD with prognosed moments matched to the observations is compared to the real PSD, allowing us to test the PSD function assumed in different microphysical scenarios. Generally we find that in cold, ice phase regions of the cloud, the model performs well, predicting near identical PSDs to those observed. However in some other regions, CASIM does not accurately represent the observed PSDs – this is particularly noticeable in mixed phase regimes, and regions with multiple ice crystal habits. We explore the impact of these discrepancies on the microphysical evolution of the cloud by computing the corresponding process rates using the observed and parameterised PSDs, and comparing the two.
Speaker
Rosie Mammatt
I am a 2nd year PhD student at the University of Reading specialising in ice cloud microphysics. I graduated from UoR in 2022 with a first-class honours degree in Physics of the Environment. My research focuses on exploring how ice cloud particles are represented in numerical weather prediction models, how these representations compare with observations and what microphysical mechanisms cause the differences between the two. In July of this year, I am going to the International Conference on Clouds and Precipitation in Jeju, South Korea where I am giving a presentation.
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Cloud microphysics modulates the timing and intensity of precipitation, extent and duration of cloud cover and radiative transfer through the atmosphere. Uncertainties in the representation of Particle Size Distributions (PSDs) cause inaccuracies in the numerical weather prediction (NWP) model output, which has negative impacts on forecast and climate predictions. In this study, observations made during the PICASSO (Parameterising Ice Cloud using Airborne obServationS and triple frequency dOppler radar) field campaign in the UK are used. During this campaign, a research aircraft made several flights through different ice and mixed-phase cloud species at varying altitudes. This captured information on a range of microphysical regimes. We compare these observations against the double moment microphysics scheme CASIM (Cloud AeroSol Interacting Microphysics) which is being developed at the UK Met Office. The parameterised PSD with prognosed moments matched to the observations is compared to the real PSD, allowing us to test the PSD function assumed in different microphysical scenarios. Generally we find that in cold, ice phase regions of the cloud, the model performs well, predicting near identical PSDs to those observed. However in some other regions, CASIM does not accurately represent the observed PSDs – this is particularly noticeable in mixed phase regimes, and regions with multiple ice crystal habits. We explore the impact of these discrepancies on the microphysical evolution of the cloud by computing the corresponding process rates using the observed and parameterised PSDs, and comparing the two.
Speaker
Rosie Mammatt
I am a 2nd year PhD student at the University of Reading specialising in ice cloud microphysics. I graduated from UoR in 2022 with a first-class honours degree in Physics of the Environment. My research focuses on exploring how ice cloud particles are represented in numerical weather prediction models, how these representations compare with observations and what microphysical mechanisms cause the differences between the two. In July of this year, I am going to the International Conference on Clouds and Precipitation in Jeju, South Korea where I am giving a presentation.
Registration
REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN.
Registration for this event is available to attend both in person and virtually.
Members
If you are a member of the Society and have an account already, please log in to your account before your register. If you are a member and don’t have an account set up already, you will need to create an account. Your username is the email address that is linked to your membership.
Non-Members
If you are not a member of the Society you will need to create an account in order to register for events.
Once you have created an account, you will be required to log in each time you would like to register for an event. You will also have access to a Dashboard area that will show which events you have registered for and past events you have attended.
Any information you provide to us will only be used by The Royal Meteorological Society and appointed representatives.
This meeting is part of the Royal Meteorological Society Meetings programme, open to all, from expert to enthusiast, for topical discussions on the latest advances in weather and climate. Free to attend. Non-members are welcome.
A copy of our terms and conditions can be found here.
If you have any queries with regards to this event or require any further information please contact us at meetings@rmets.org.
Notice of audio / video recording of RMetS Meetings and Events - By attending this meeting, you are agreeing to be part of the Society’s broadcast. Please could audience members refrain from giving their name and institution during questions at ALL Society (National, Local and SIG) meetings that are being recorded or streamed. Videoing will be restricted to speakers.
The RMetS strives to host inclusive, accessible events that enable all individuals, including individuals with disabilities, to engage fully. If you would like to discuss accessibility or request accommodations please contact conferences@rmets.org.
We take data privacy seriously. Please read the RMetS privacy policy to find out more.
