The Monte-Carlo ice microphysics model McSnow is extended by an explicit habit prediction scheme, combined with the hydrodynamic theory of \citeauthor{Boehm1992a}.
\citeauthor{Boehm1992a}’s original cylindrical shape assumption for prolates is compared against recent lab results, showing that interpolation between cylinder and prolate yields the best agreement.
For constant temperature and supersaturation, the predicted mass, size, and density agree well with the laboratory results, and a comparison with real clouds using the polarizability ratio shows regimes capable of improvement.
An updated form of the inherent growth function to describe the primary habit growth tendencies is proposed and combined with a habit-dependent ventilation coefficient.
The modifications contrast the results from general mass size relations and significantly impact the main ice microphysical processes. Depending on the thermodynamic regime, ice habits significantly alter depositional growth and affect aggregation and riming.