Highlights
Understanding marine boundary layer (MBL) cloud and drizzle microphysics is essential for improving cloud–radiation feedback in models and satellite retrievals, which are sensitive to regional conditions, observation methods, and instrument characteristics. Since cloud and drizzle droplets follow distinct size distribution patterns, accurate retrievals require case-specific analyses.
In this work, we analyze droplet size distributions from in situ cloud and drizzle probes onboard the research aircraft during the Southern Ocean Clouds, Radiation, Aerosol Transport Experimental Study (SOCRATES) airborne field campaign over the Southern Ocean. Empirical relationships linking effective radius and liquid water content to radar reflectivity are derived, providing a useful reference for retrievals across different observational platforms and microphysical regimes. The results show that microphysical properties vary systematically with reflectivity, supporting the use of radar measurements to derive time-resolved vertical profiles of cloud and drizzle structure.
Related Publication
- Das, A., Dong, X., & Xi, B. (2026). Deriving Empirical Relationships between MBL Cloud Microphysical Properties and Radar Reflectivity Using Airborne In Situ Measurements over the Southern Ocean. Journal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology, 43(4), 425-443. https://doi.org/10.1175/JTECH-D-25-0069.1
Conference Presentations
- Das, A., Dong, X., Xi, B. (2026). Investigating Marine Boundary Layer Cloud and Drizzle Microphysical Properties over the Southern Ocean Using Airborne In Situ and Radar Measurements. https://www.eol.ucar.edu/radar-technology-community-workshop-final-report-june-2026 – NSF NCAR Radar Technology Community Workshop (March 10-12, 2026), Boulder, CO.