Spatial heterogeneity of aerosol effect on liquid cloud microphysical
properties in the warm season over Tibetan Plateau
Abstract
The effect of aerosol on liquid cloud microphysical properties over the
Tibetan Plateau during the warm season is investigated by employing
aerosol index and cloud property parameters. Distinct differences in
aerosol effect on liquid cloud microphysical properties have been found
between the northern TP (NTP) and southern TP (STP). The composite
liquid cloud droplet effective radius (LREF) anomalies for positive
aerosol index (AI) events are positive in the NTP and negative in the
STP. In both NTP and STP, when the AI anomalies are positive, the LREF
anomalies are also positive, which suggests that the increased aerosol
loading reduces the solar radiation reaching the ground and thus
enhances the atmospheric stability, making cloud droplets not conducive
to break up. This indicates that the aerosol radiative effect is not
likely the reason causing the distinct differences of aerosol effects on
liquid cloud properties between NTP and STP. Further analysis shows that
in the STP, the LREF first increases and then decreases with the
increase of AI, while in the NTP, the LREF always increases with the
increase of AI, suggesting a spatial difference in aerosol microphysical
effect. In the STP, the influence of aerosol on liquid clouds is mainly
dependent on liquid water path (LWP) and convective available potential
energy (CAPE), while in the NTP, the influence of aerosol on liquid
cloud is more likely related to large aerosol particles.