A Double-Moment SBU-YLIN Cloud Microphysics Scheme and Its Impact on a Squall Line Simulation

A double-moment version of the SBU-YLIN cloud microphysical scheme in WRF is introduced. It predicts the mass and number mixing ratios of cloud droplet, rain, cloud ice, and precipitating ice. In addition, a number of physical processes, like rain evaporation, collection between rain and snow are also optimized in the new scheme. The scheme is evaluated and compared with the original one-moment scheme for a squall line case. We found that the double-moment approach gives a better representation of rain evaporation, which is critical for the development, morphology, and evolution of the simulated squall line, especially for the enhanced trailing stratiform cloud and leading convective line. The relationship between key microphysical processes and squall line dynamics is investigated to identify the driving mechanisms of the descending rear inflow, cold pool, and slantwise updraft. Furthermore, formation of the transition zone in the simulated squall line strongly depends on the flexible description of ice particle properties, such as size, degree of riming and fall speed.

Automated summary

The double-moment version of the SBU-YLIN cloud microphysical scheme in WRF has been introduced, showing improved performance in simulating a squall line case, especially in describing key microphysical processes such as rain evaporation.