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Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2188
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2023-2188
03 Nov 2023
 | 03 Nov 2023

Impact of ice multiplication on the cloud electrification of a cold-season thunderstorm: a numerical case study

Jing Yang, Shiye Huang, Qilin Zhang, Xiaoqin Jing, Yuting Deng, and Yubao Liu

Abstract. Ice microphysics controls cloud electrification in thunderstorms, and the various secondary ice production (SIP) processes are vital in generating high ice concentration. However, the role of SIP in cold-season thunderstorms is not well understood. In this study, the impacts of SIP on the electrification in a thunderstorm occurred in late November is investigated using model simulations. The parameterizations of three SIP processes are implemented in the model, including the rime-splintering, ice-ice collisional breakup, and shattering of freezing drops. In addition, a noninductive and an inductive charging parametrization, as well as a bulk discharging model are coupled with the spectral bin microphysics scheme. The results show the simulated storm intensity and temporal variation of flash rate are improved after SIP parametrizations are implemented in the model. Among the three SIP processes, the rime-splintering and shattering of freezing drops have stronger impacts on the storm than the ice-ice collisional breakup. The graupel and snow concentration are enhanced while their sizes are suppressed due to the SIP. The changes in the ice microphysics result in substantial changes in the charge structure. The total charge density changes from an inverted tripole structure to a dipole structure (tripole structure at some locations) after SIP is considered in the model, mainly due to the enhanced collision between graupel and ice, and riming at temperatures warmer than -20 °C. These changes lead to an enhancement of vertical electric field, especially in the mature stage, which explains the improved modelling of flash rate. The results highlight that the cold-season cloud electrification is very sensitive to the SIP.

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Journal article(s) based on this preprint

24 May 2024
Impact of ice multiplication on the cloud electrification of a cold-season thunderstorm: a numerical case study
Jing Yang, Shiye Huang, Tianqi Yang, Qilin Zhang, Yuting Deng, and Yubao Liu
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 24, 5989–6010, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-5989-2024,https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-24-5989-2024, 2024
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The requested preprint has a corresponding peer-reviewed final revised paper. You are encouraged to refer to the final revised version.

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This study contributes to fill the dearth of understanding the impacts of different secondary...
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