Evaluation of Cloud Microphysics Schemes in the WRF Model for a Snowstorm Case with GPM GMI and DPR Measurements

Abstract:

Passive microwave radiometers are known to give one of the most accurate precipitation measurements owing to its physical relationship with precipitation particles. It captures the emission signatures from raindrops within and below clouds at low frequency channels. It also attempts to measure the depressions of brightness temperatures (TBs) at high frequency channels, which means that ice related particles exist in the atmosphere. Additionally the active radar is also an important sensor to estimate rainfall.

Based on the success of the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) satellite mission, the advanced Global Precipitation Measuring (GPM) mission’s Core Observatory was launched on February 27, 2014. It includes both multi-channel (10-183 GHz) GPM Microwave Imager (GMI) and Dual-frequency Precipitation Radar (DPR). This study focuses on use of the GMI and the DPR observations to evaluate the various cloud microphysical schemes in the WRF model (version 3.7) for a severe snowstorm that occurred in January 2015 over the northeastern part of the USA. Impacts of each water content such as rain, cloud, ice, snow, and graupel on simulated TBs will be also evaluated.