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Spaceborne Evidence That Ice-Nucleating Particles Influence High-Latitude Cloud Phase.
1Department of Geosciences University of Oslo Oslo Norway.
Geophysical Research Letters
|October 17, 2022
Summary
Ice-nucleating particles (INPs) are crucial for mixed-phase clouds (MPCs). Satellite data reveal that local INP sources, like sea ice, significantly influence MPC formation in polar regions.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Science
- Cloud Physics
- Climate Science
Background:
- Mixed-phase clouds (MPCs) contain both liquid droplets and ice crystals, impacting Earth's energy balance and water cycle.
- The ice crystal fraction in MPCs influences their radiative properties, precipitation, and lifespan.
- Ice-nucleating particles (INPs) are necessary for ice crystal formation in MPCs, but their large-scale influence remains understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between ice-nucleating particles (INPs) and the formation of mixed-phase clouds (MPCs).
- To constrain the role of INPs in cloud phase evolution using satellite observations.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of satellite observations to determine the transition temperature (T*) where MPCs become more prevalent than liquid clouds.
- Investigating the influence of environmental factors, such as snow and sea ice cover, on T*.
Main Results:
- A significant reduction in the transition temperature (T*) was observed over the Arctic and Southern Ocean.
- Snow and sea ice cover were found to significantly decrease T*, indicating enhanced ice formation.
Conclusions:
- The availability of ice-nucleating particles (INPs) is essential for controlling cloud phase evolution.
- Local INP sources in high-latitude regions, particularly associated with snow and sea ice, play a critical role in MPC formation.
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