Measurements and Predictions of Precipitation Development in Stratiform Ice Clouds.
Abstract
During the past two years, Meteorology Research, Inc. (MRI) has been involved in several programs aimed at defining and predicting ice cloud characteristics in a variety of synoptic systems. Aircraft sampling of microphysical parameters in conjunction with simultaneous Doppler radars and radiosonde measurements were used to define not only the cloud ice water content, mean and maximum crystal lengths, precipitation rate, and ice crystal concentrations, but the accompanying air velocities and relative humidity. From the results of this study, the ice water content was parameterized in terms of the vertical velocity and relative humidity. Using these equations, as well as those derived for evaporative layers, a detailed model was developed for ice water content and precipitation rate prediction from radiosonde data. This technique was applied to cases where simultaneous aircraft measurements were available in the Continental United States and at Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands, and excellent agreement was obtained.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 24, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA021467
Entities
People
- Andrew J. Heymsfield