Efficient Determination of Cloud Drop Number Concentration Near the Cloud Base With Parameterization Based on Fundamental Theory and Parcel Model Simulations

摘要

An effective parameterization scheme for determining the maximum cloud drop number concentration near the cloud base under given updraft speeds was developed based on a theoretical analysis of the supersaturation development equation with key factors determined from a binned microphysical parcel model. This scheme is mathematically quite straightforward and can be applied to condensation nuclei of any composition and size spectrum. The accuracy of this method is comparable with the most advanced schemes currently available, but it features considerably higher computational efficiency. Sources of error or uncertainty in our scheme are discussed in details.