Hazel Jones

Resurgence in Ice Nuclei Measurement Research

Understanding cloud and precipitation responses to variations in atmospheric aerosols remains an important research topic for improving the prediction of climate. Knowledge is most uncertain, and the potential impact on climate is largest with regard to how aerosols impact ice formation in clouds. In this paper, we show that research on atmospheric ice nucleation, including the development of new measurement systems, is occurring at a renewed and historically unparalleled level. A historical perspective is provided on the methods and challenges of measuring ice nuclei, and the various factors that led to a lull in research efforts during a nearly 20-yr period centered about 30 yr ago. Workshops played a major role in defining critical needs for improving measurements at that time and helped to guide renewed efforts. Workshops were recently revived for evaluating present research progress. We argue that encouraging progress has been made in the consistency of measurements using the present generation of ic...

The development of ice in a cumulus cloud over southwest England

An experiment involving the FAAM BAe 146 aircraft, called the ICE and Precipitation Initiation in Cumulus (ICEPIC) project, was conducted in order to measure the microphysical properties of UK summertime cumulus clouds. A line of clouds was penetrated near the ascending tops. Higher concentrations of ice particles than expected from activation on typical ice nuclei using the Meyers formula were observed at relatively high temperatures (T>-10 °C). The observations of numerous ice particles and the coexistence of both small and large cloud droplets, pristine ice columns and graupel pellets within the temperature zone of -3 to -9 °C strongly suggested the Hallett–Mossop (HM) process of splintering during riming. Agreement between the calculated and observed rates of splinter production supported this suggestion. The Model of Aerosols and Chemistry in Convective Clouds (MAC3) was utilized to establish a quantitative understanding of the observed development of glaciation of this cloud. The results of the model confirmed the important role of the HM process. They also showed that the warm rain process was fundamental to the production of graupel in the cloud studied, and hence the HM ice particles. A sensitivity test with double the concentration of aerosol particles showed that the concentration of supercooled raindrops decreased as expected, which resulted in fewer graupel particles and a smaller quantity of precipitation, which was delayed by about 5 min. However, the production rate of secondary ice particles generated by the HM process increased due to the increased concentration of small cloud droplets.