Seminar Title: Modeling Microphysical Cloud Processes to Understand Macroscale Cloud Properties |

Abstract: The small-scale interactions between, and properties of cloud particles such as cloud droplets, rain drops and ice crystals, have a strong influence on the macroscale properties of clouds such as cloud fraction, cloud albedo, and precipitation rate.  The observed impacts of aerosol particles on clouds are one example which clearly illustrates this close connection between the microphysical and macrophysical properties of clouds. These impacts also strongly motivate the need to accurately parameterize cloud microphysics in models. In this seminar, I will discuss past and present work to understand the advantages and disadvantages of using simple vs. complex microphysics parameterizations in cloud resolving model simulations, and how choices about microphysical properties influence the simulated macrophysical properties of clouds.  The focus will be on properties and processes in warm shallow clouds, but deep convection will also be discussed.