CCN Spectra Measurements as an Active Tracer of Stratocumulus Mechanisms
Abstract
This manuscript compares and contrasts the measurements about the marine stratus clouds of FIRE with the measurements near the cumulus clouds in HaRP. The Cloud Condensation Nuclei (CCN) measurements in First ISCCP Regional Experiment (FIRE) were recently published. An example of the vertical distribution of CCN is given. In both regimes the concentration of CCN was higher above the cloud layers, that is above the marine inversion. In Hawaii there was usually not the layer of high concentrations just above the clouds (just above the inversion) as was seen in FIRE. Measurements of lower concentrations within the boundary layer are consistent in both projects and appear to be due to coalescence scavenging which was in fact much more rapid in Hawaii due to the larger cloud droplets and a more active collision-coalescence process which resulted in substantial atmospheric precipitation. Extremely low particle concentrations were found very close to some of the clouds. This was often the case just above the cloud tops where concentrations of less than 5 cu cm were often observed. High concentrations of CCN were also found within the clouds.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA246499
Entities
People
- James G. Hudson
Organizations
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas