Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-28-2025
Department
Department of Physics
Abstract
Cloud processes relevant to radiative and precipitation properties depend on the shape of the cloud droplet size distribution. Recent holographic observations revealed that cloud droplet populations do not have the same size distribution shapes throughout but form regions of characteristic distributions with similar microphysical properties. We investigate the existence and properties of these characteristic distributions within Large-Eddy Simulations of stratocumulus clouds using Lagrangian and bin microphysics schemes. Distribution types are identified, revealing localized characteristic distributions that vary on the scale of the largest convective cell for simulations with bin microphysics. The results from the Lagrangian microphysics scheme hint at similar behavior. Compared to observations, the simulated clouds are much more uniform. Analysis of the LES results suggests a connection to the local entrainment rate, so the poorly resolved entrainment interface in LES may be a cause of the uniformity. The uniformity of the large-scale forcing could also be a factor.
Publication Title
Geophysical Research Letters
Recommended Citation
Allwayin, N.,
Miller, D.,
Chandrakar, K.,
Larsen, M. L.,
&
Shaw, R.
(2025).
Investigating Characteristic Droplet Size Distributions in Large Eddy Simulations of Stratocumulus Clouds.
Geophysical Research Letters,
52(20).
http://doi.org/10.1029/2025GL116021
Retrieved from: https://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/michigantech-p2/2062
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Version
Publisher's PDF
Publisher's Statement
© 2025. The Author(s). Publisher’s version of record: https://doi.org/10.1029/2025GL116021