a Numerical Study of Cloud and Precipitation Processes in Mesoscale Rainbands.

Field studies conducted during the University of Washington's CYCLES PROJECT have investigated the dynamical and microphysical processes operating in mesoscale rainbands within extratropical cyclones. Conceptual models of the cloud and precipitation mechanisms present in the various types of rainbands have been developed. The test these conceptual models, a numerical modeling study was undertaken. The numerical simulations centered on warm-frontal rainbands, characterized by a "seeder-feeder" process, and the convective -like narrow cold-frontal rainband. The warm-frontal rainband simulations were divided into two categories based on the observed vertical motions in the feeder zone. In the first category (TYPE 1), the vertical air motions are typical of those associated with the widespread lifting in the vicinity of warm fronts ((TURN)10 cm s('-1)). In the second category (TYPE 2), the vertical motions are stronger ((TURN)70 cm s('-1)). In the TYPE 1 situation the growth of "seed" ice crystals within the feeder zone occurs through vapor deposition. In the TYPE 2 case, seed ice crystals grow by accreting cloud water. In both cases the seed ice crystals provide the necessary particles for the efficient removal of condensate in the feeder zone. The model simulations for the narrow cold-frontal rainband are also divided into two categories. In the first category (non-embedded case) the narrow cold-frontal rainband is considered to be independent of any surrounding precipitation. In the second case (considered more realistic), the narrow cold-frontal rainband is embedded within a region of stratiform precipitation. In the non-embedded case, graupel develops when frozen raindrops grow rapidly by accreting cloud water within the updraft region. In the embedded case snow particles (originating in the stratiform clouds) are swept into the updraft region and are converted rapidly to graupel through riming. The efficient removal of cloud water by snow particles entering the updraft region of the narrow cold-frontal rainband results in larger precipitation rates in the embedded case. The results of the model simulations confirm the conceptual models and provide new insights into the precipitation mechanisms operating in these rainbands. Hypotheses for the enhancement of precipitation by artificial seeding are suggested.