Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

Sensitivity Study of Cloud-Resolving Convective Simulations with WRF Using Two Bulk Microphysical Parameterizations: Ice-Phase Microphysics versus Sedimentation Effects

Song-You Hong Department of Atmospheric Sciences and Global Environment Laboratory, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea

Search for other papers by Song-You Hong in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Kyo-Sun Sunny Lim Department of Atmospheric Sciences and Global Environment Laboratory, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea

Search for other papers by Kyo-Sun Sunny Lim in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Ju-Hye Kim Department of Atmospheric Sciences and Global Environment Laboratory, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea

Search for other papers by Ju-Hye Kim in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
,
Jeong-Ock Jade Lim Department of Atmospheric Sciences and Global Environment Laboratory, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea

Search for other papers by Jeong-Ock Jade Lim in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
, and
Jimy Dudhia Mesoscale and Microscale Meteorology Division, National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado

Search for other papers by Jimy Dudhia in
Current site
Google Scholar
PubMed Close
Print Publication:
01 Jan 2009
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/2008JAMC1960.1
Page(s):
61–76
Restricted access

Abstract

This study examines the relative importance of ice-phase microphysics and sedimentation velocity for hydrometeors in bulk microphysics schemes. The two bulk microphysics schemes having the same number of prognostic water substances, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Single-Moment 6-Class Microphysics Scheme (WSM6) and the Purdue–Lin scheme (PLIN), are evaluated for a 2D idealized storm case and for a 3D heavy rainfall event over Korea. The relative importance of microphysics and sedimentation velocity for ice particles is illuminated by the additional experiments that exchange the sedimentation velocity formula for graupel in the two schemes. In a 2D idealized storm simulation test bed, it is found that, relative to the PLIN scheme, the WSM6 scheme develops the storm late with weakened intensity because of a slower sedimentation velocity for graupel. Such a weakened intensity of precipitation also appears in a 3D model framework when the WSM6 scheme is used, in conjunction with the overall distribution of the precipitation band southward toward what was observed. The major reason is found to be the ice-phase microphysics of the WSM6 and related ice-cloud–radiation feedback, rather than the smaller terminal velocity for graupel in the WSM6 than in the PLIN scheme.

* Current affiliation: Numerical Weather Prediction Center, Korea Meteorological Administration, Seoul, South Korea.

+ The National Center for Atmospheric Research is sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

Corresponding author address: Song-You Hong, Dept. of Atmospheric Sciences, College of Science, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, South Korea. Email: shong@yonsei.ac.kr

Abstract

This study examines the relative importance of ice-phase microphysics and sedimentation velocity for hydrometeors in bulk microphysics schemes. The two bulk microphysics schemes having the same number of prognostic water substances, the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Single-Moment 6-Class Microphysics Scheme (WSM6) and the Purdue–Lin scheme (PLIN), are evaluated for a 2D idealized storm case and for a 3D heavy rainfall event over Korea. The relative importance of microphysics and sedimentation velocity for ice particles is illuminated by the additional experiments that exchange the sedimentation velocity formula for graupel in the two schemes. In a 2D idealized storm simulation test bed, it is found that, relative to the PLIN scheme, the WSM6 scheme develops the storm late with weakened intensity because of a slower sedimentation velocity for graupel. Such a weakened intensity of precipitation also appears in a 3D model framework when the WSM6 scheme is used, in conjunction with the overall distribution of the precipitation band southward toward what was observed. The major reason is found to be the ice-phase microphysics of the WSM6 and related ice-cloud–radiation feedback, rather than the smaller terminal velocity for graupel in the WSM6 than in the PLIN scheme.

* Current affiliation: Numerical Weather Prediction Center, Korea Meteorological Administration, Seoul, South Korea.

+ The National Center for Atmospheric Research is sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

Corresponding author address: Song-You Hong, Dept. of Atmospheric Sciences, College of Science, Yonsei University, Seoul 120-749, South Korea. Email: shong@yonsei.ac.kr

Save
Cover Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology
Journal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology

  • Bryan, G. H., J. C. Wyngaard, and J. M. Fritsch, 2003: Resolution requirements for the simulation of deep moist convection. Mon. Wea. Rev., 131 , 2394–2416.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Chen, F., and J. Dudhia, 2001: Coupling an advanced land surface–hydrology model with the Penn State–NCAR MM5 modeling system. Part I: Model implementation and sensitivity. Mon. Wea. Rev., 129 , 569–585.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Chen, S-H., and W-Y. Sun, 2002: A one-dimensional time dependent cloud model. J. Meteor. Soc. Japan, 80 , 99–118.

  • Dudhia, J., 1989: Numerical study of convection observed during the Winter Monsoon Experiment using a mesoscale two-dimensional model. J. Atmos. Sci., 46 , 3077–3107.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Dudhia, J., S-Y. Hong, and K-S. Lim, 2009: A new method for representing mixed-phase particle fall speeds in bulk microphysics parameterizations. J. Meteor. Soc. Japan, in press.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Ferrier, B. S., W-K. Tao, and J. Simpson, 1995: A double-moment multiple-phase four-class bulk ice scheme. Part II: Simulations of convective storms in different large-scale environments and comparisons with other bulk parameterizations. J. Atmos. Sci., 52 , 1001–1033.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Fletcher, N. H., 1962: The Physics of Rain Clouds. Cambridge University Press, 390 pp.

  • Gilmore, M. S., J. M. Straka, and E. N. Rasmussen, 2004: Precipitation uncertainty due to variations in precipitation particle parameters within a simple microphysics scheme. Mon. Wea. Rev., 132 , 2610–2627.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hong, S-Y., 2004: Comparison of heavy rainfall mechanisms in Korea and the central United States. J. Meteor. Soc. Japan, 82 , 1469–1479.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hong, S-Y., and J-O. Lim, 2006: The WRF single-moment 6-class microphysics scheme (WSM6). J. Korean Meteor. Soc., 42 , 129–151.

  • Hong, S-Y., J. Dudhia, and S-H. Chen, 2004: A revised approach to ice-microphysical processes for the bulk parameterization of cloud and precipitation. Mon. Wea. Rev., 132 , 103–120.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Hong, S-Y., Y. Noh, and J. Dudhia, 2006: A new vertical diffusion package with an explicit treatment of entrainment processes. Mon. Wea. Rev., 134 , 2318–2341.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Houze Jr., R. A., P. V. Hobbs, P. H. Herzegh, and D. B. Parsons, 1979: Size distributions of precipitation particles in frontal clouds. J. Atmos. Sci., 36 , 156–162.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kain, J., and M. Fritsch, 1993: Convective parameterization for mesoscale models: The Kain–Fritsch scheme. The Representation of Cumulus Convection in Numerical Models. Meteor. Monogr., No. 24, Amer. Meteor. Soc., 165–170.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kessler, E., 1969: On the Distribution and Continuity of Water Substance in Atmospheric Circulations, Meteor. Monogr., No. 32 Amer. Meteor. Soc., 84 pp.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Klemp, J. B., 2006: Convective-resolving forecasting with the WRF model. Proc. Fourth Joint Korea-U.S. Workshop on Mesoscale Observation, Data Assimilation and Modeling for Severe Weather, Seoul, Korea. Korea Science and Engineering Foundation/U.S. National Science Foundation Office of International Science and Engineering, 58–63.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Kuo, Y-H., 2006: Assimilation of ground-based GPS data for short-range precipitation forecast. Proc. Fourth Joint Korea-U.S. Workshop on Mesoscale Observation, Data Assimilation and Modeling for Severe Weather, Seoul, Korea, Korea Science and Engineering Foundation/U.S. National Science Foundation Office of International Science and Engineering, 38–41.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lang, S., W-K. Tao, R. Cifelli, W. Olson, J. Halverson, S. Rutledge, and J. Simpson, 2007: Improving simulations of convective system from TRMM LBA: Easterly and westerly regimes. J. Atmos. Sci., 64 , 1141–1164.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Lin, Y-L., R. D. Farley, and H. D. Orville, 1983: Bulk parameterization of the snow field in a cloud model. J. Climate Appl. Meteor., 22 , 1065–1092.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • McCumber, M., W-K. Tao, J. Simpson, R. Penc, and S-T. Soong, 1991: Comparison of ice-phase microphysical parameterization schemes using numerical simulations of tropical convection. J. Appl. Meteor., 30 , 985–1004.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Meyers, M. P., R. L. Walko, J. Y. Harrington, and W. R. Cotton, 1997: New RAMS cloud microphysics parameterization. Part II: The two-moment scheme. Atmos. Res., 45 , 3–39.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Mlawer, E. J., S. J. Taubman, P. D. Brown, M. J. Iacono, and S. A. Clough, 1997: Radiative transfer for inhomogeneous atmosphere: RRTM, a validated correlated-k model for the longwave. J. Geophys. Res., 102 , (D14). 16 663–16 682.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Noda, A., and H. Niino, 2003: Critical grid size for simulating convective storms: A case study of the Del City supercell storm. Geophys. Res. Lett., 30 , 1844. doi:10.1029/2003GL017498.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Reisner, J., R. M. Rasmussen, and R. T. Bruintjes, 1998: Explicit forecasting of supercooled liquid water in winter storms using the MM5 mesoscale model. Quart. J. Roy. Meteor. Soc., 124 , 1071–1107.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Rutledge, S. A., and P. V. Hobbs, 1984: The mesoscale and microscale structure and organization of clouds and precipitation in midlatitude cyclones. XII: A diagnostic modeling study of precipitation development in narrow cloud-frontal rainbands. J. Atmos. Sci., 41 , 2949–2972.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Skamarock, W. C., J. B. Klemp, J. Dudhia, D. O. Gill, D. M. Barker, W. Wang, and J. G. Powers, 2007: A description of the Advanced Research WRF version 2. NCAR Tech. Note NCAR/TN-468+STR, 88 pp.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Tao, W-K., and Coauthors, 2003: Microphysics, radiation and surface processes in a non-hydrostatic model. Meteor. Atmos. Phys., 82 , 97–137.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Thompson, G., R. M. Rasmussen, and K. Manning, 2004: Explicit forecasts of winter precipitation using an improved bulk microphysics scheme. Part I: Description and sensitivity analysis. Mon. Wea. Rev., 132 , 519–542.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Thompson, G., P. R. Field, W. D. Hall, and R. M. Rasmussen, 2006: A new bulk microphysical parameterization for WRF and MM6. Proc. Seventh Weather Research and Forecasting Model Workshop, Boulder, CO, NCAR Mesoscale and Microscale Meteorology, Division 1–11.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • van den Heever, S., and W. R. Cotton, 2004: The impact of hail size on simulated supercell storms. J. Atmos. Sci., 61 , 1596–1609.

  • Walko, R. L., W. R. Cotton, M. P. Meyers, and J. Y. Harrington, 1995: New RAMS cloud microphysics parameterization. Part I: The single-moment scheme. Atmos. Res., 38 , 29–62.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation

  • Wang, J-J., X. Li, and L. D. Carey, 2007: Evolution, structure, cloud microphysical, and surface rainfall processes of monsoon convection during the South China Sea Monsoon Experiment. J. Atmos. Sci., 64 , 360–380.

    • Search Google Scholar
    • Export Citation
All Time Past Year Past 30 Days
Abstract Views 0 0 0
Full Text Views 511 160 14
PDF Downloads 380 122 4