A comparative study between bulk and bin microphysical schemes of a simulated squall line in East China. (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yin, Lei; Ping, Fan; Mao, Jiahua
• Is Part Of: Atmospheric science letters. Volume 18:Number 5(2017)
• Page Start: 195
• Page End: 206
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: squall line -- microphysical parameterization scheme -- SBM -- bulk -- comparative study; Atmospheric physics -- Periodicals; 551
• DOI: 10.1002/asl.742
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1530-261X

Abstract

Abstract: A squall line occurred in East China during 12 July 2014 was simulated with the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model using spectral bin and two‐moment bulk microphysical parameterization scheme, respectively. Comparative study showed that significant differences existed in the dynamic, thermodynamic and microphysical structures of squall line between bulk and bin simulation results. The bulk scheme produced a well‐organized but shorter radar structure while bin scheme simulated scattered but stronger radar echo which was more consistent with observation. Bulk scheme had a better performance in predicting the strong rainfall areas and amount. The strong rear‐to‐front (RTF) inflow and convective updrafts were identified in bulk scheme by comparison with weak RTF and updrafts in bin scheme. In addition, bulk simulated a deeper cold pool than bin. Much higher cloud droplet number concentration was simulated by bulk scheme, while higher raindrop mass and number concentration was generated by bin scheme. Detailed analysis and sensitivity tests are needed in future to further investigate the possible mechanisms that responsible for the distinctive results.