Abstract
The intricate nature of the physical parameterization schemes within the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model poses challenges in accurately simulating hailstorms, particularly the complex cloud processes involved. Significant yet robust differences in sensitivities between two different parameterization schemes in two ensembles, namely the microphysical parameterization (MP) and the planetary boundary layer parameterization (PBL) scheme, are found when simulating a hailstorm in the Loess Plateau region of China by comparing with observations. Experiments with variation in MP scheme overestimate the strong reflectivity region (>45 dBZ) compared to radar observations. Conversely, experiments with variation in PBL scheme better match observed locations, showing slightly higher peak reflectivity (>55 dBZ) in vertical structure compared to variation in MP scheme. The reflectivity intensity in experiments with variation in MP scheme is influenced by elevated rain mixing ratios below the 0 °C layer, rain-snow differences between 0 °C and −38 °C, high ice crystal mixing ratios in certain members, as well as the combination of strong vertical wind shear variations and extensive, intense cold zones. While experiments with variation in PBL scheme exhibit less variation in hydrometeor mixing ratios compared to variation in MP scheme, significant differences persist among members, with some members doubling the particle mixing ratio. And the reflectivity intensity is impacted by notable differences in the structures of vertical velocity, updraft volume, and the potential temperature perturbation between 0°C and −38°C. This study highlights the importance of describing both MP and PBL schemes to improve the accuracy of hailstorm simulations in numeric models.
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