Parameterization of sub-grid latent heat release in trade wind cumulus clouds

Abstract

Our previous research established that in tropical shallow Cu clouds a nearly perfect correlation exists between integral condensation/evaporation rates and upward mass flux. The strong correlation and the linear relationship between these variables were further explained using fundamental principles of the condensation theory. The proposed research will focus on expanding these findings tohorizontally averaged vertically dependent variables. The latter will form the basis of parameterization of latent heat release in cloud resolving and mesoscale models. Specifically, we will focus on three tasks:1. Expand the theoretical findings established for integral variables to horizontally averaged vertically dependent variables. In particular, we will seek to find analytical formulation for the microphysics-dynamics connection based on fundamental physical principles, as opposite to semi-empirical relationships established using #synthetic# data from LES experiments. 2. Evaluation of the prevalence of non-adiabatic areas in clouds at differentstages of their development. This analysis will provide an estimate of the error when effects of mixing and entrainment are neglected in calculations of phase transition rates. The practical significance of the cloud adiabaticity assumption is the possibility of a parameterization based on a simple linear function relating latent heat to mass flux.3. Presentation of results at scientific meetings, and publication in scientific journals.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Mar 24, 2023
Source ID
N000142312168

Entities

People

  • Yefim Kogan

Organizations

  • Northwest Research Associates
  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Navy

Tags

Readers

  • Atmospheric Remote Sensing.
  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Ocean-Atmosphere Mesoscale Modeling, Data Assimilation, and Flux Boundary Layers