Modelling mixed-phase clouds with the large-eddy model UCLALES–SALSA

The large-eddy model UCLALES–SALSA, with
an exceptionally detailed aerosol description for both aerosol
number and chemical composition, has been extended for ice
and mixed-phase clouds. Comparison to a previous mixedphase
cloud model intercomparison study confirmed the accuracy
of newly implemented ice microphysics. A further
simulation with a heterogeneous ice nucleation scheme, in
which ice-nucleating particles (INPs) are also a prognostic
variable, captured the typical layered structure of Arctic midaltitude
mixed-phase cloud: a liquid layer near cloud top and
ice within and below the liquid layer. In addition, the simulation
showed a realistic freezing rate of droplets within the
vertical cloud structure. The represented detailed sectional
ice microphysics with prognostic aerosols is crucially important
in reproducing mixed-phase clouds.