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Phase transformation of mixed‐phase clouds
Author(s) -
Korolev Alexei,
Isaac George
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
quarterly journal of the royal meteorological society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.744
H-Index - 143
eISSN - 1477-870X
pISSN - 0035-9009
DOI - 10.1256/qj.01.203
Subject(s) - adiabatic process , mixed phase , liquid water content , phase (matter) , evaporation , mechanics , oscillation (cell signaling) , water content , clear ice , glacial period , atmospheric sciences , environmental science , geology , materials science , thermodynamics , meteorology , physics , climatology , chemistry , geomorphology , geotechnical engineering , arctic ice pack , cloud computing , sea ice , biochemistry , quantum mechanics , computer science , antarctic sea ice , operating system
The glaciation time of a mixed‐phase cloud due to the Wegener–Bergeron–Findeisen mechanism is calculated using an adiabatic one‐dimensional numerical model for the cases of zero, ascending, descending and oscillating vertical velocities. The characteristic values of the glaciation time are obtained for different concentrations of ice particles and liquid‐water content. Steady state is not possible for the ice‐water content/total water content ratio in a uniformly vertically moving mixed‐phase parcel. The vertical oscillation of a cloud parcel may result in a periodic evaporation and activation of liquid droplets in the presence of ice particles during infinite time. After a certain time, the average ice‐water content and liquid‐water content reach a steady state. This phenomenon may explain the existence of long‐lived mixed‐phase stratiform layers. The obtained results are important for understanding the mechanisms of formation and life cycle of mixed‐phase clouds. Copyright © 2003 Royal Meteorological Society