Project Details
Projekt
Evaluating and Improving Convection-Permitting Simulations of the Life Cycle of Convective Storms using Polarimetric Radar Data
Applicant
Dr. Andrew Barrett
Subject Area
Atmospheric Science
Term
from 2018 to 2023
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 408026808
Convective storms are responsible for severe weather, for example large hail, flash flooding and strong wind gusts. A critical factor that determines how damaging these events are is the cloud microphysics within the convective system. The cloud microphysics processes directly contribute to the formation of large hail and rain, but, additionally, modify the environment in which the convection develops due to latent heating and cooling. These changes to the structure of the convective storm also then affect which microphysical processes are active, and where in the storm. The existence of these complex interactions have been reported in numerous recent publications. However, to date there are no studies taking a systematic approach to investigating the cloud microphysics – convective dynamics interactions. In this project, we will perform a systematic analysis of the interactions between cloud microphysics processes and convective system structure and the effects on the lifecycle and resulting severe weather. Model simulations with ICON (~1 km resolution) will be evaluated against the microphysics processes, storm structure and lifecycle found from dual-polarization radar data.The main aim of this project is to provide a framework for the improvement of convection-permitting simulation of severe convective weather events. This will be achieved by 1) quantifying which cloud microphysics processes are most important for the production of damaging precipitation, 2) evaluation of how well the life cycle, storm structure and microphysical processes of convective storms simulated by ICON compares to polarimetric radar observations 3) investigation of the sensitivity of the storm structure and lifecycle to the representation of microphysical processes.Therefore, the ICON model will be modified to output the 3D microphysical process rates. Microphysical “piggybacking” will also be incorporated, to separate purely microphysical effects from coupled microphysical-dynamical effects.At the conclusion of this project, we will be in a position to summarise the current ability of ICON to simulate convective storms and their damaging precipitation, identify which processes are most important for the production of the damaging precipitation, and recommend improvements to address current shortcomings in the model system. The end result will be not just an improved understanding of both real and modelled convection, but also specific recommendations to increase skill of predicting damaging precipitation from convection.
DFG Programme
Priority Programmes
