Simulated PMS Measurements of Assumed Crystal Distributions
Abstract
Simulated measurements of assumed ice crystal hydrometeor environments generate number-size distributions similar to those from insitu measurements even to the point of reproducing several inconsistencies often found in actual PMS data. This paper describes the computer fabrication of ice crystals composed of single columns and combinations of columns with random spatial orientation and the simulated measuring of these particles by PMS 1-D instruments. Varying effects on the PMS distributions are demonstrated by using different assumptions of particle numbers and sizes. Efforts were concentrated on exploring the problems of deficient number counts in the first or first few classes of th PMS precipitation probe data, non-compatible number concentrations from the cloud and precipitation probes and the apparent existence of a few particles that are not consistent with the rest of the distribution. This investigation indicates that the number, sizes, crystalline structure, and spatial positioning of hydrometeors may be the cause of these effects. Keywords: PMS 1-D, Ice-crystals, Hydrometeors, Cloud, Precipitation, Number density, Reprints.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA226602
Entities
People
- Arnold A. Barnes Jr.
- Robert O. Berthel
Organizations
- Air Force Systems Command