Mj. Szumowski et al., SIMPLE 2-DIMENSIONAL KINEMATIC FRAMEWORK DESIGNED TO TEST WARM RAIN MICROPHYSICAL MODELS, Atmospheric research, 45(4), 1998, pp. 299-326
This paper describes a two-dimensional kinematic framework designed to
test warm rain microphysical models. The idealized flow field is base
d on a case study from the Hawaiian Rainband Project (1990). Analyses
of radar and aircraft data collected in convective cells embedded in H
awaiian rainbands are included for model validation. A Cloud Condensat
ion Nuclei (CCN) activation spectrum, a condensational growth equation
including the CCN chemical composition, collection efficiencies, and
terminal velocities of the growing drops, are all provided. A sample s
et of figures from the test run with bulk microphysical parameterizati
on illustrates the desired format for comparisons between the detailed
model results and for validation of the model output with observation
s. This simple yet realistic test formulation includes vertical and ho
rizontal advection, and can be used to evaluate microphysical model pe
rformance without complexities resulting from dynamical-microphysical
interactions in dynamic cloud models. Without such interactions, scien
tists can focus on key physical processes involved in the formation of
warm rain. The accurate representation of these processes in detailed
models is essential to successfully simulate the observed evolution o
f warm precipitating clouds. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V.