Phase Characteristics in Orographic Convective Clouds

Cloud liquid and ice phase partitioning is an important parameter in understanding cloud and precipitation processes. The relative amounts of liquid and ice in a cloud influence the microphysical, radiative, and dynamical feedbacks, impacting the cloud lifecycle and precipitation totals. Model simulations rely on observations of cloud microphysical properties to improve parameterizations of physical processes such as ice nucleation and riming efficiency. We utilize observations obtained using the Department of Energy Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program's Gulfstream-1 aircraft to characterize cloud phase characteristics (i.e. mass content and number concentration) in convective clouds over the Sierra Nevada Mountains. We will present results using a unique set of cloud microphysical probes that measure binned size distribution and bulk mass content, combined with temperature, humidity, and vertical velocity information. Phase characteristics and the implications for cloud and precipitation processes will be presented for a series of flights in convective clouds under varying atmospheric conditions.