Dynamics of cloud-top generating cells in winter cyclones. Part I: Idealized simulations in the context of field observations

This paper assesses the influence of radiative forcing and latent heating on the development and maintenance of cloud-top generating cells (GCs) in high-resolution idealized Weather Research and Forecasting Model simulations with initial conditions representative of the vertical structure of a cyclone observed during the Profiling of Winter Storms campaign. Simulated GC kinematics, structure, and ice mass are shown to compare well quantitatively with Wyoming Cloud Radar, cloud probe, and other observations.

Sensitivity to radiative forcing was assessed in simulations with longwave-only (nighttime), longwave-and-shortwave (daytime), and no-radiation parameterizations. The domain-averaged longwave cooling rate exceeded 0.50 K h⁻¹ near cloud top, with maxima greater than 2.00 K h⁻¹ atop GCs. Shortwave warming was weaker by comparison, with domain-averaged values of 0.10–0.20 K h⁻¹ and maxima of 0.50 K h⁻¹ atop GCs.