Articles | Volume 25, issue 23
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-17797-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-17797-2025
© Author(s) 2025. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Constraining microphysics assumptions on the modeling of Atmospheric Rivers using GNSS Polarimetric Radio Occultations
Institut de Ciències de l'Espai, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (ICE-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
Institut d'Estudis Espacials de Catalunya (IEEC), Barcelona, Spain
Facultat de Física, Universitat de Barcelona (UB), Carrer de Martí i Franquès, 1–11, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
Ramon Padullés
Institut de Ciències de l'Espai, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (ICE-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
Institut d'Estudis Espacials de Catalunya (IEEC), Barcelona, Spain
Estel Cardellach
Institut de Ciències de l'Espai, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (ICE-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
Institut d'Estudis Espacials de Catalunya (IEEC), Barcelona, Spain
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The results of comparing the polarimetric radio occultation observables and the ice water content retrieved from the CloudSat radar in a global and statistical way show a strong correlation between the geographical patterns of both quantities for a wide range of heights. This implies that horizontally oriented hydrometeors are systematically present through the whole globe and through all vertical levels, which could provide insights on the physical processes leading to precipitation.
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Short summary
This study explores how different assumptions in cloud microphysics affect the vertical distribution of hydrometeors during extreme precipitation events, such as atmospheric rivers. Using a combination of high-resolution weather simulations and radiative transfer modeling, we identify snow as the dominant contributor to the observed vertical signal. The analysis highlights the sensitivity of precipitation structure to particle properties, that could help refine atmospheric modeling approaches.
This study explores how different assumptions in cloud microphysics affect the vertical...
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