Start
April 5, 2024 - 3:30 pm
End
April 5, 2024 - 4:00 pm
Categories
Convective Meteorology (Mesoscale Dynamics)Convective Meteorology (Mesoscale Dynamics)
Examining Aerosol-Convective Cloud Interactions: Insights from the TRACER and ESCAPE Field Campaigns in Houston, Texas
Ali Al Jabri
Friday, April 5
03:30 p.m.
NWC 1350
Abstract: Aerosols serve as cloud condensation nuclei, influencing the number, size, and properties of cloud droplets. Their effect on clouds can potentially alter large-scale atmospheric circulation, the global hydrological cycle, and the radiation budget. While the impact of aerosols on warm stratiform clouds is better understood, their interaction with convective clouds remains a controversial topic. The debate centers around the process of aerosol-induced invigoration of deep convection, a process that could significantly affect these clouds but lacks robust evidence. Methodological limitations, the robustness of modeling approaches, and the absence of a clear definition of invigoration are at the heart of this debate. Resolving these discrepancies is crucial for understanding how aerosols affect our atmosphere and climate.
This study aims to examine the effects of meteorological factors and aerosol parameters within a distinct meteorological setting characterized by a weakly synoptic-driven convective environment where the interaction may be more pronounced and observable. The study utilizes observational data from daily atmospheric soundings and aerosol concentrations from several aerosol measurement devices during the summer of 2022 in Houston, Texas, collected as part of the Tracking Aerosol Convection Interactions Experiment (TRACER) and Experiment of Sea Breeze Convection, Aerosols, Precipitation, and Environment (ESCAPE) field campaigns. Statistical learning methods are applied to identify underlying mechanisms linking aerosols, meteorology, and convective cloud characteristics like minimum cloud top temperature from GOES-16 satellite data and convective cell area from NEXRAD data.