Project
Microphysics and dynamics of tropical deep convection
Tropical deep convective clouds are key elements of the hydrological cycle, the exchange of air masses between troposphere and stratosphere, the global circulation, and with this, key elements of the global climate. The total cloud coverage and rainfall of the tropics is dominated by deep convective clouds (and cloud systems). We aim to improve our understanding of the cloud microphysical and dynamical (transport) processes within tropical deep convection, to be able to understand how they are changing in a changing climate.
Deep convection provides a fast pathway to transport air masses from the boundary layer through the free troposphere into the tropopause region. The transport from air within the boundary layer to 15 km altitude may take 30 minutes or less, and clouds form along the way. Thus, trace gases, water vapour, and aerosols are redistributed effectively in the atmosphere, not only in updrafts, but also in downdrafts. Downdrafts are also important for helping to maintain existing convective clouds, triggering new convection, and regulating cloud cover.
This project mainly uses in situ aircraft data from dedicated flight campaigns like ACRIDICON-CHUVA, Cafe Brazil, StratoClim, POSEIDON. These rare observations allow us to study the cloud microphysical and dynamical structure in the upper tropical troposphere in detail. Additionally, trace gas data help to identify transport pathways. Since (deep) convection is inherently turbulent, this project links with the turbulent cloud microphysics. To investigate processes in more detail, we will
also use the MicroHH model to elucidate transport pathways and mixing processes
within in the deep convective clouds.
Header image Credits: ESA/NASA