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Title: Space‐Based Analysis of the Cloud Thermodynamic Phase Transition for Varying Microphysical and Meteorological Regimes

Journal Article · · Geophysical Research Letters
ORCiD logo [1]; ORCiD logo [2];  [3]; ORCiD logo [4]
  1. Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8518 ‐ LOA ‐ Laboratoire d’Optique Atmosphérique Lille France, Department of Atmospheric Sciences University of Utah Salt Lake City UT USA, Institute of Meteorology and Climate Research Karlsruhe Institute of Technology Karlsruhe Germany
  2. Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8518 ‐ LOA ‐ Laboratoire d’Optique Atmosphérique Lille France
  3. NASA Langley Research Center Hampton VA USA
  4. Department of Atmospheric Sciences University of Utah Salt Lake City UT USA
+ Show Author Affiliations

Abstract Phase transitions leading to cloud glaciation occur at temperatures that vary between 38°C and 0°C depending on aerosol types and concentrations, the meteorology, and cloud microphysical and macrophysical parameters, although the relationships remain poorly understood. Here, we statistically retrieve a cloud glaciation temperature from two passive space‐based instruments that are part of the NASA/CNES A‐Train, the POLarization and Directionality of the Earth's Reflectances (POLDER) and the MODerate resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS). We compare the glaciation temperature for varying bins of cloud droplet effective radius, latitude, and large‐scale vertical pressure velocity and specific humidity at 700 hPa. Cloud droplet size has the strongest influence on glaciation temperature: For cloud droplets larger than 21  m, the glaciation temperature is 6°C higher than for cloud droplets smaller than 9  m. Stronger updrafts are also associated with lower glaciation temperatures.

Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
Grant/Contract Number:
SC0016282
OSTI ID:
1615527
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1604480
Journal Information:
Geophysical Research Letters, Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters Vol. 47 Journal Issue: 6; ISSN 0094-8276
Publisher:
American Geophysical Union (AGU)Copyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English
Citation Metrics:
Cited by: 13 works
Citation information provided by
Web of Science

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