Parameterization of Cloud Microphysics Based on Full Integral Moments

AbstractThis paper describes a microphysics parameterization based on integral moments of the full drop size distributions (DSDs) as opposed to a partial moments approach (sometimes referred to as Kessler-type parameterization) based on the moments integrated separately over the cloud and rain drop portion of the drop spectrum. This approach does not assume a prescribed form of a DSD but employs as model variables full moments that have clear physical meaning: drop concentration and surface area, water content, precipitation flux, and radar reflectivity. These variables can be directly measured and assimilated into the model forecast cycle without intermediate retrievals. The approach avoids division of DSDs into cloud and rain drops. This eliminates the problem of defining the threshold between these two categories and subdivision of the physical coagulation process into artificial processes of autoconversion, accretion, and self-collection. The development and testing of the parameterization was made us...

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