Explicit aerosol–cloud interactions in the Dutch Atmospheric Large-Eddy Simulation model DALES4.1-M7

• Published in: Geoscientific Model Development 2019-12, Vol.12 (12), p.5177-5196
• Main Authors: de Bruine, Marco, Krol, Maarten, Vilà -Guerau de Arellano, Jordi, Röckmann, Thomas
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Activation; Aerosol-cloud interactions; Aerosols; Analysis; Atmospheric models; Atmospheric physics; Atmospheric precipitations; Cloud droplets; Cloud microphysics; Clouds; Clouds (Meteorology); Computer simulation; Cumulus clouds; Evaporation; Large eddy simulation; Large eddy simulations; Marine environment; Mass; Microphysics; Oceanic eddies; Oceans; Precipitation; Precipitation processes; Precipitation scavenging; Rain; Rainfall; Scavenging; Simulation; Vortices
• ISSN: 1991-9603; 1991-959X; 1991-962X; 1991-9603; 1991-962X
• DOI: 10.5194/gmd-12-5177-2019

Large-eddy simulation (LES) models are an excellent tool to improve our understanding of aerosol-cloud interactions (ACI). We introduce a prognostic aerosol scheme with multiple aerosol species in the Dutch Atmospheric Large-Eddy Simulation model (DALES), especially focused on simulating the impact of cloud microphysical processes on the aerosol population. The numerical treatment of aerosol activation is a crucial element for simulating both cloud and aerosol characteristics. Two methods are implemented and discussed: an explicit activation scheme based on κ-Köhler theory and a more classic approach using updraught strength. Sample model simulations are based on the Rain in Shallow Cumulus over the Ocean (RICO) campaign, characterized by rapidly precipitating warm-phase shallow cumulus clouds.