September 4, 2018
Feature

Tiny Processes in Clouds Drive Storm System Longevity over the Central United States

With improved cloud microphysics representing observed storm structures, models can better simulate long-lasting storms prone to produce flooding.

Great Plains

Mesoscale convective systems—organized thunderstorms that can last up to 24 hours—are responsible for well over half of warm-season (March to August) rainfall over the Great Plains of the United States.

The Science

Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) are a form of massive organized thunderstorms that can last up to 24 hours, and are projected to increase in both frequency and rainfall amount across the U.S. by the end of this century. While climate models with spatial resolution comparable to regional weather forecasting models can simulate the large-scale storm environment, details of how to represent cloud microphysical processes remain uncertain.

To assess the significance of microphysical processes, researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory analyzed season-long simulations of MCSs with two different representations of cloud microphysics. They found that the cloud microphysical treatment with more slow-falling snow particles produced more realistic storm rainfall areas and longer-lived storms with greater flood potential, which indicates microphysical processes have important effects on the evolution of the storms.

The Impact

As next-generation climate models continue to increase in resolution and complexity, physical processes such as cloud microphysics play a more prominent role in model uncertainties. This study suggests that cloud microphysics will greatly affect simulations of the hydrological cycle and extreme precipitation events in the climate system. Understanding the interactions and feedbacks between microphysics in MCSs and large-scale environments is important for better understanding and projecting the effects of warming temperatures on changes in hydrological extremes associated with MCSs.

 

Reference: Z. Feng, L.R. Leung, R.A. Houze, S. Hagos, J. Hardin, Q. Yang, B. Han, J. Fan, "Structure and Evolution of Mesoscale Convective Systems: Sensitivity to Cloud Microphysics in Convection-Permitting Simulations over the U.S." Journal of Advances in Modeling Earth Systems10, 1470-1494 (2018). [DOI: 10.1029/2018ms001305]

Key Capability

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About PNNL

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory draws on its distinguishing strengths in chemistry, Earth sciences, biology and data science to advance scientific knowledge and address challenges in sustainable energy and national security. Founded in 1965, PNNL is operated by Battelle for the Department of Energy’s Office of Science, which is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States. DOE’s Office of Science is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, visit https://energy.gov/science. For more information on PNNL, visit PNNL's News Center. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Published: September 4, 2018

Research Team

Zhe Feng, L. Ruby Leung, Samson Hagos, Joseph Hardin, Qing Yang, and Jiwen Fan, PNNL
Robert A. Houze Jr., PNNL and University of Washington
Bin Han, Nanjing University (China)