Modelling cloud micro- and macrophysical properties and their radiative effects

• Applicants: Dr. Vera Schemann; Dr. Fabian Senf
• Subject Area: Atmospheric Science
• Term: since 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 513446258

The simulation of clouds and radiative effects by clouds have been constrained by available computing resources for a long time - with respect to resolution and complexity. The evolution of computing power as well as the continuous improvement and refinement of atmospheric models - especially during the last decade - has enabled us now to tackle the longstanding question of 3D radiative effects and their representation in models in an unprecedented way. The basis for this is the research group "Cloud Structure \& Climate - Closing the 3D Gap", whose main goal is to better understand the role of 3D cloud variability on radiation and to which this project belongs. As core part of the project, model simulations at the hectometer scale - at the beginning of cloud resolving resolutions - will be performed for previous as well as a dedicated upcoming observational campaign and evaluated mainly based on ground-based observations. While observations are always limited in dimension, the simulations can provide the full 4D context and serve as a virtual laboratory to test the reconstruction of missing dimensional information from observations. Additionally, we will use the simulations together with observations to test the influence of the degree of complexity for microphysical properties on the radiative effects which would not be feasible in an operational context. The representation of simulated clouds, 3D cloud radiative effects as well as the sensitivity of the 3D reconstruction and complexity of required microphysics will be investigated and contrasted for different cloud regimes which will finally help to answer the question how cloud macro- and microphysical properties influence the 3D nature of radiation.

• DFG Programme: Research Units
• Subproject of: FOR 5626: Cloud Structure & Climate - Closing the 3D Gap