Exploring the Significant Sensitivity of Hailstorm Simulation to Variations in Microphysics and Planetary Boundary Layer Parameterization Schemes.
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| Title: | Exploring the Significant Sensitivity of Hailstorm Simulation to Variations in Microphysics and Planetary Boundary Layer Parameterization Schemes. |
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| Authors: | Zhao, Jingya1 (AUTHOR), Li, Xiaofei1,2 (AUTHOR) xli@nwu.edu.cn, Yue, Zhiguo3 (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | Weather & Forecasting. Aug2025, Vol. 40 Issue 8, p1281-1306. 26p. |
| Subjects: | Microphysics, Atmospheric boundary layer, Reflectance, Weather forecasting, Computer simulation, Parameterization, Hailstorms |
| Geographic Terms: | Loess Plateau (China), China |
| Abstract: | The intricate nature of the physical parameterization schemes within the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model poses challenges in accurately simulating hailstorms, particularly the complex cloud processes involved. Significant yet robust differences in sensitivities between two different parameterization schemes in two ensembles, namely, the microphysical parameterization (MP) and planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameterization schemes, are found when simulating a hailstorm in the Loess Plateau region of China by comparing with observations. Experiments with variation in the MP scheme overestimate the strong reflectivity region (>45 dBZ) compared to radar observations. Conversely, experiments with variation in the PBL scheme better match observed locations, showing slightly higher peak reflectivity (>55 dBZ) in vertical structure compared to variation in the MP scheme. The reflectivity intensity in experiments with variation in the MP scheme is influenced by elevated rain mixing ratios below the 0°C layer, rain–snow differences between 0° and −38°C, high ice crystal mixing ratios in certain members, and the combination of strong vertical wind shear variations and extensive, intense cold zones. While experiments with variation in the PBL scheme exhibit less variation in hydrometeor mixing ratios compared to variation in the MP scheme, significant differences persist among members, with some members doubling the particle mixing ratio. The reflectivity intensity is impacted by notable differences in the structures of vertical velocity, updraft volume, and the potential temperature perturbation between 0° and −38°C. This study highlights the importance of describing both MP and PBL schemes to improve the accuracy of hailstorm simulations in numeric models. Significance Statement: Parameterization methods have been widely used in hailstorm simulations, but existing studies mainly focus on the impact of microphysical parameterization (MP) schemes, with fewer comparisons of other parameterization schemes. Choosing different parameterization schemes in this sensitivity experiment exhibits different effects, with the simulated storm showing high sensitivity to variations in both the MP and PBL schemes. Experiments with variation in the MP scheme exhibit higher rain and ice mixing ratios, along with greater vertical wind shear variability and more intense cold zones compared to variation in the PBL scheme, but the differences in vertical velocities, potential temperature perturbation, and hydrometeor mass from experiments with variation in the PBL schemes also impact reflectivity. This study contributes to the accurate modeling and forecasting of hailstorms in the Loess Plateau region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| Database: | Engineering Source |
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| Abstract: | The intricate nature of the physical parameterization schemes within the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Model poses challenges in accurately simulating hailstorms, particularly the complex cloud processes involved. Significant yet robust differences in sensitivities between two different parameterization schemes in two ensembles, namely, the microphysical parameterization (MP) and planetary boundary layer (PBL) parameterization schemes, are found when simulating a hailstorm in the Loess Plateau region of China by comparing with observations. Experiments with variation in the MP scheme overestimate the strong reflectivity region (>45 dBZ) compared to radar observations. Conversely, experiments with variation in the PBL scheme better match observed locations, showing slightly higher peak reflectivity (>55 dBZ) in vertical structure compared to variation in the MP scheme. The reflectivity intensity in experiments with variation in the MP scheme is influenced by elevated rain mixing ratios below the 0°C layer, rain–snow differences between 0° and −38°C, high ice crystal mixing ratios in certain members, and the combination of strong vertical wind shear variations and extensive, intense cold zones. While experiments with variation in the PBL scheme exhibit less variation in hydrometeor mixing ratios compared to variation in the MP scheme, significant differences persist among members, with some members doubling the particle mixing ratio. The reflectivity intensity is impacted by notable differences in the structures of vertical velocity, updraft volume, and the potential temperature perturbation between 0° and −38°C. This study highlights the importance of describing both MP and PBL schemes to improve the accuracy of hailstorm simulations in numeric models. Significance Statement: Parameterization methods have been widely used in hailstorm simulations, but existing studies mainly focus on the impact of microphysical parameterization (MP) schemes, with fewer comparisons of other parameterization schemes. Choosing different parameterization schemes in this sensitivity experiment exhibits different effects, with the simulated storm showing high sensitivity to variations in both the MP and PBL schemes. Experiments with variation in the MP scheme exhibit higher rain and ice mixing ratios, along with greater vertical wind shear variability and more intense cold zones compared to variation in the PBL scheme, but the differences in vertical velocities, potential temperature perturbation, and hydrometeor mass from experiments with variation in the PBL schemes also impact reflectivity. This study contributes to the accurate modeling and forecasting of hailstorms in the Loess Plateau region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
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| ISSN: | 08828156 |
| DOI: | 10.1175/WAF-D-24-0167.1 |
