Response of Mixed-Phase Cloud Microphysical Properties to Cloud-Seeding Near Cloud Top Over Hebei, China

On November 29, 2019, an aircraft observation during the period of cloud-seeding was carried out for a mixed-phase cloud over Xingtai, Hebei Province, China. This study investigates the response of mixed-phase cloud microphysical properties to cloud-seeding near cloud top. Before cloud seeding, the cloud droplet concentration from fast cloud droplet probe (N-C_(FCDP)) presented a multi-peak vertical distribution structure, with a maximum concentration of 192 cm(-3) at a height of 3,322 m; the maximum concentration of ice crystals from cloud imaging probe (N-C_(CIP)) was 10 L-1, which appeared at 4,500 m in the upper part of cloud; and the peak value of liquid water content (LWC) in the cloud also appeared at 4,500 m, with a value of 0.15 g/m(3). The coexistence of supercooled liquid water and ice crystals implies that they are particularly suitable for cloud seeding at the height of 4,550 m. About 7-8 min later after cloud seeding at this height, the average N-C_(FCDP) decreased from 160.3 to 129 cm(-3), and the average N-C_(CIP) increased from 7.1 to 10 L-1. Moreover, after cloud seeding, high N-C_(CIP) as well as larger and more ice crystals appeared almost in the same areas within the cloud, and LWC presented an obvious decreasing trend. In contrast, the concentration of small cloud droplets and LWC decreased obviously after seeding. The findings suggest that the cloud microphysical properties showed obvious responses to the artificial introduction of silver iodide, which is important for human weather modification.

Automated summary

This study investigates the impact of cloud seeding on the microphysical properties of a mixed-phase cloud through aircraft observation. The results show that after cloud seeding, the concentration of ice crystals increased while the liquid water content decreased. This suggests the importance of artificial introduction of silver iodide for human weather modification.