Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-4105
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-4105
23 Sep 2025
 | 23 Sep 2025
Status: this preprint is open for discussion and under review for Atmospheric Measurement Techniques (AMT).

Contribution of the 2DVD to the investigation of cloud microphysics during the MOSAiC and Cloudlab/PolarCAP campaigns

Tom Gaudek, Cristofer Jimenez, Kevin Ohneiser, Christopher Fuchs, Jan Henneberger, Johannes Bühl, Andi Klamt, Albert Ansmann, Ronny Engelmann, and Patric Seifert

Abstract. In this study, the particle maximum diameter is introduced and evaluated as a new variable of the two-dimensional video disdrometer (2DVD). Vertically resolved remote-sensing measurements meanwhile allow to retrieve the microphysical properties of precipitation. However, opportunities for a direct evaluation of those retrievals are still lacking. One possible approach is the ground-based observation of precipitation particles with in-situ sensors such as the 2DVD. In this context, the suitability of the 2DVD for contributing to cloud microphysics studies is being assessed. First, the retrieval of the particle maximum diameter as a new parameter is described, followed by an explanation about the procedure of the determination of dominating particle shapes done in this study. The capabilities of the 2DVD are demonstrated by means of measurements performed in a pre-alpine region of Switzerland which show that the instrument could detect signatures from cloud seeding experiments. Moreover, ice crystal number concentration and, for the first time, mean maximum diameter derived from the remote-sensing based LIRAS-ice retrieval are evaluated against ground-based in-situ measurements from the 2DVD. In the frame of a case study from the Multidisciplinary drifting Observatory for the Study of Arctic Climate (MOSAiC) expedition in 2019, LIRAS-ice and 2DVD data were found to agree well during suitable meteorological conditions that allow to relate surface observations to the higher-level remote sensing measurements. This study shows that the maximum diameter from 2DVD observations enhances the instruments capability to contribute to precipitation-related research.

Publisher's note: Copernicus Publications remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims made in the text, published maps, institutional affiliations, or any other geographical representation in this paper. While Copernicus Publications makes every effort to include appropriate place names, the final responsibility lies with the authors. Views expressed in the text are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher.
Share
Tom Gaudek, Cristofer Jimenez, Kevin Ohneiser, Christopher Fuchs, Jan Henneberger, Johannes Bühl, Andi Klamt, Albert Ansmann, Ronny Engelmann, and Patric Seifert

Status: open (until 31 Oct 2025)

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
Tom Gaudek, Cristofer Jimenez, Kevin Ohneiser, Christopher Fuchs, Jan Henneberger, Johannes Bühl, Andi Klamt, Albert Ansmann, Ronny Engelmann, and Patric Seifert
Tom Gaudek, Cristofer Jimenez, Kevin Ohneiser, Christopher Fuchs, Jan Henneberger, Johannes Bühl, Andi Klamt, Albert Ansmann, Ronny Engelmann, and Patric Seifert

Viewed

Total article views: 620 (including HTML, PDF, and XML)
HTML PDF XML Total BibTeX EndNote
607 10 3 620 3 5
  • HTML: 607
  • PDF: 10
  • XML: 3
  • Total: 620
  • BibTeX: 3
  • EndNote: 5
Views and downloads (calculated since 23 Sep 2025)
Cumulative views and downloads (calculated since 23 Sep 2025)

Viewed (geographical distribution)

Total article views: 620 (including HTML, PDF, and XML) Thereof 620 with geography defined and 0 with unknown origin.
Country # Views %
  • 1
1
 
 
 
 
Latest update: 01 Oct 2025
Download
Short summary
This study introduces the maximum diameter (Dmax) of precipitation particles measured by a two-dimensional video disdrometer (2DVD) as a novel parameter. Dmax is applied in a cloud seeding study during the Cloudlab campaign and, for the first time, in a MOSAiC case to evaluate the LIRAS-ice remote-sensing retrieval of in-cloud ice crystal size and number. Both quantities agreed well with the 2DVD measurements under ideal conditions, highlighting the potential of Dmax for precipitation studies.
Share