Editorial Type:
Article
Article Type:
Research Article

A Bulk Parameterization of Giant CCN

David B. Mechem Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale Meteorological Studies, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma, and Department of Geography, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas

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Yefim L. Kogan Cooperative Institute for Mesoscale Meteorological Studies, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma

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Print Publication:
01 Jul 2008
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1175/2007JAS2502.1
Page(s):
2458–2466
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Abstract

A parameterization for giant cloud condensation nuclei (GCCN), suitable for use in bulk microphysical models, has been developed that uses precise representations of the condensational growth of aerosol particles in the subcloud layer. The formulation employs an observationally based GCCN distribution function and directly observable parameters of GCCN, such as concentration and the shape of the aerosol spectra. The parameterization couples naturally to parameterizations of sea salt flux from the ocean surface. The behavior of the GCCN parameterization in a large eddy simulation (LES) framework is consistent with simulations employing explicit, size-resolving microphysical methods. The parameterization properly represents the sensitivity of cloud, drizzle, turbulence, and radiative properties to changes in GCCN concentration for polluted and clean background CCN environments.

Corresponding author address: David B. Mechem, Department of Geography, University of Kansas, 1475 Jayhawk Blvd., 213 Lindley Hall, Lawrence, KS 66045-7613. Email: dmechem@ku.edu

Abstract

A parameterization for giant cloud condensation nuclei (GCCN), suitable for use in bulk microphysical models, has been developed that uses precise representations of the condensational growth of aerosol particles in the subcloud layer. The formulation employs an observationally based GCCN distribution function and directly observable parameters of GCCN, such as concentration and the shape of the aerosol spectra. The parameterization couples naturally to parameterizations of sea salt flux from the ocean surface. The behavior of the GCCN parameterization in a large eddy simulation (LES) framework is consistent with simulations employing explicit, size-resolving microphysical methods. The parameterization properly represents the sensitivity of cloud, drizzle, turbulence, and radiative properties to changes in GCCN concentration for polluted and clean background CCN environments.

Corresponding author address: David B. Mechem, Department of Geography, University of Kansas, 1475 Jayhawk Blvd., 213 Lindley Hall, Lawrence, KS 66045-7613. Email: dmechem@ku.edu

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