Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Zhe Feng, L. Ruby Leung, Joseph Hardin, Christopher R. Terai, Fengfei Song, Peter Caldwell
Summary: This study examines the simulated deep convection populations and mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) of the DYAMOND winter project. Storm tracking algorithm and satellite data are used for comparison. The simulated frequencies of tropical deep convection and organized convective systems vary among models and regions, but robust MCSs are generally underestimated. The study discusses possible causes for the model differences and implications for future model developments.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Kyle Chudler, Steven A. Rutledge, Brenda Dolan
Summary: Isolated warm-rain cells over tropical oceans can contain large raindrops. These cells are typically small and short-lived, and have higher differential reflectivity on the upwind side. Differential reflectivity tends to increase at lower altitudes.
MONTHLY WEATHER REVIEW
(2022)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Hassan Beydoun, Peter M. Caldwell, Elizabeth V. Stein, Sonia Wharton
Summary: This study develops a tracing method to track the sources and sinks of raindrop mass and number in numerical simulations. It reveals that convective precipitation is dominated by warm rain processes, while stratiform precipitation is dominated by the melting of ice crystals.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCES IN MODELING EARTH SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Brenda Dolan, Stephen M. Saleeby, Steven A. Rutledge, Susan C. van den Heever, Kristen Van Valkenburg
Summary: Statistical analyses and model simulations were used to explore precipitation formation and microphysical processes, with the finding that the two-moment bulk microphysical model successfully captures rainfall variability. However, the model shows some limitations and the disdrometer data has its own constraints. A case study demonstrates how the model can provide valuable information to supplement limited disdrometer observations and improve the understanding of rain microphysical processes.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-ATMOSPHERES
(2023)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Zhe Feng, L. Ruby Leung, Nana Liu, Jingyu Wang, Robert A. Houze, Jianfeng Li, Joseph C. Hardin, Dandan Chen, Jianping Guo
Summary: A new methodology is developed to track mesoscale convective systems (MCS) globally using satellite data, providing insights into MCS characteristics and seasonal variations. The study confirms the superiority of the new method over previous T-b-only approaches and validates MCS statistics across the globe.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-ATMOSPHERES
(2021)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Yuki Imura, Takuro Michibata
Summary: This study evaluated the impact of different precipitation modeling schemes on the simulated precipitation phase and occurrence frequency, finding that even though the prognostic scheme improves cloud amount and snowfall rates, it still results in biased phase partitioning, frequency, and intensity of precipitation. The study also highlights the underestimation of supercooled liquid water and the importance of accurately reproducing cloud and precipitation phase partitioning for climate sensitivity simulations.
JOURNAL OF ADVANCES IN MODELING EARTH SYSTEMS
(2022)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Justin R. Minder, Nick Bassill, Frederic Fabry, Jeffrey R. French, Katja Friedrich, Ismail Gultepe, John Gyakum, David E. Kingsmill, Karen Kosiba, Mathieu Lachapelle, Daniel Michelson, Leonid Nichman, Cuong Nguyen, Julie M. Theriault, Andrew C. Winters, Mengistu Wolde, Joshua Wurman
Summary: During near-0 ℃ surface conditions, diverse precipitation types are possible and it affects wide areas in the United States and Canada, impacting various aspects of daily life. The Winter Precipitation Type Research Multiscale Experiment (WINTRE-MIX) was conducted to better understand and predict near-0 ℃ precipitation types and amount through observing, diagnosing, simulating, and forecasting processes. This research will contribute to improving nowcasts and forecasts of near-0 ℃ precipitation.
BULLETIN OF THE AMERICAN METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Lin Zang, Daniel Rosenfeld, Zengxin Pan, Feiyue Mao, Yannian Zhu, Xin Lu, Wei Gong
Summary: Aerosols have the ability to directly invigorate deep convective clouds (DCCs) by nucleating more cloud droplets, which is known as Primary Aerosol Convective Invigoration (PAI). However, the covarying Meteorology-Aerosol Invigoration (MAI) effect on DCCs has been a long-standing issue in quantifying the contribution of PAI. Observations show that PAI causes a positive feedback from DCCs to meteorology, further enhancing DCCs through increased humidity, updraft, and destabilization, thus contributing to MAI. The study also separates PAI from MAI through observational quantification of the sensitivity of DCC properties to aerosol changes under fixed meteorology using artificial neural networks.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Matthew R. Kumjian, Olivier P. Prat, Karly J. Reimel, Marcus Van Lier-Walqui, Hughbert C. Morrison
Summary: This article reviews the observation of precipitation microphysics processes using dual-polarization radar. These processes are observed as vertical gradients in radar observables, known as fingerprints. The fingerprints of rain processes are discussed first, followed by snow and ice processes. The article also introduces emerging research that uses these fingerprints for quantitative analysis to obtain microphysics model parameters and process rates. New results based on a detailed rain shaft bin microphysical model are presented, and potential future research directions are also discussed.
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Zhe Feng, Fengfei Song, Koichi Sakaguchi, L. Ruby Leung
Summary: The process-oriented approach evaluates warm-season mesoscale convective system (MCS) precipitation over the United States, finding discrepancies in the simulated MCS statistics and large-scale meteorological patterns compared to observations. While the model successfully reproduces some observed features, such as frontal systems and low-level jets, it consistently underestimates the frequency of these patterns. Additionally, the simulated precipitation peaks during the day, unlike the observed nocturnal peak, indicating areas for future model development and diagnostics.
JOURNAL OF CLIMATE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Juan Huo, Yongheng Bi, Bo Liu, Congzheng Han, Minzheng Duan
Summary: A new dual-frequency Doppler polarimetric cloud radar has been operating at the Yangbajing Observatory on the Tibetan Plateau for over a year, showing different performance for different types of clouds and detecting issues near the edge of cloud layers in the region. The radar measurements demonstrate the advantages of the dual-frequency design in providing valuable information for cloud and precipitation understanding.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Subrata Kumar Das, Anupam Hazra, Sachin M. Deshpande, U. V. Murali Krishna, Yogesh K. Kolte
Summary: This study investigated a deep convective storm over southwest India on October 12, 2011, using ground-based X-band radar measurements and WRF model simulations. Different cloud microphysics schemes were utilized to simulate the storm, with the WRF Double-Moment 6-Class scheme showing better results in capturing the vertical structure of the storm. The study emphasizes the importance of microphysics in different parameterization schemes of WRF simulation for forecasting convective storms in southwest India.
PURE AND APPLIED GEOPHYSICS
(2021)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Jean Wurtz, Dominique Bouniol, Benoit Vie, Christine Lac
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence and characteristics of ice crystals icing (ICI) in convective clouds, comparing observations with simulations from a mesoscale forecast system. The research identified general microphysical features of deep tropical convective systems and found that while the simulations were able to reproduce some behaviors, they struggled with extreme ICI events. Suggestions were made to enhance the modeling of ICI, particularly through adjusting the representation of snow particle size distribution and parameters in the microphysical scheme.
QUARTERLY JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jing Tang, Sheng Chen, Zhi Li, Liang Gao
Summary: This study analyzes the spatiotemporal distribution and characteristics of different precipitation types during the summer season in China. The results provide valuable information for hydrometeorological research and radar precipitation studies.
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Anne-Claire Billault-Roux, Jacopo Grazioli, Julien Delanoe, Susana Jorquera, Nicolas Pauwels, Nicolas Viltard, Audrey Martini, Vincent Mariage, Christophe Le Gac, Christophe Caudoux, Clemantyne Aubry, Fabrice Bertrand, Alfons Schwarzenboeck, Louis Jaffeux, Pierre Coutris, Guy Febvre, Jean Marc Pichon, Fabien Dezitter, Josue Gehring, Aude Untersee, Christophe Calas, Jordi Figueras I. Ventura, Benoit Vie, Adrien Peyrat, Valentin Curat, Simon Rebouissoux, Alexis Berne
Summary: This article describes an international field experiment that took place in the Swiss Jura in January 2021 as part of the ICE GENESIS project. The experiment aimed to improve the measurement and understanding of ice/snow particle properties and mechanisms responsible for icing of rotor-craft and aircraft. Through a combination of airborne and ground-based instruments, observations of clouds and snowfall were collected within a specific temperature range. The experiment demonstrated its potential in monitoring precipitation and synchronizing ground-based and airborne observations.
BULLETIN OF THE AMERICAN METEOROLOGICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Melissa J. J. Kottke, Jessica M. M. Sales, Peggy Goedken, Jennifer L. L. Brown, Kendra Hatfield-Timajchy, Emilia H. H. Koumans, James W. W. Hardin, Joan Marie Kraft, Athena P. P. Kourtis
Summary: The 2gether intervention has been shown to be effective in increasing the use of condoms with contraception and reducing the rates of pregnancy and selected STIs among young African American females.
JOURNAL OF WOMENS HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Mohiuddin Ahsanul Kabir Chowdhury, James W. Hardin, Bryan L. Love, Anwar T. Merchant, Suzanne McDermott
Summary: The study examined the association between nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use during pregnancy and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) in children. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using multiple datasets in South Carolina between 2010 and 2017. Results showed that NSAID use during pregnancy was associated with ID only, but not with ASD.
JOURNAL OF WOMENS HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yuan-Ming Cheng, Juliana Dias, George Kiladis, Zhe Feng, L. Ruby Leung
Summary: Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) contribute significantly to tropical precipitation and extreme rainfall events. The impact of convectively coupled equatorial waves (CCEWs) on organized convection and MCS characteristics is examined using global tracking data. During the active phase of CCEWs, MCSs exhibit increased frequency, intensity, size, and probability of extreme events, particularly when associated with Kelvin waves and tropical depression-type waves.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Zhe Feng, L. Ruby Leung, Joseph Hardin, Christopher R. Terai, Fengfei Song, Peter Caldwell
Summary: This study examines the simulated deep convection populations and mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) of the DYAMOND winter project. Storm tracking algorithm and satellite data are used for comparison. The simulated frequencies of tropical deep convection and organized convective systems vary among models and regions, but robust MCSs are generally underestimated. The study discusses possible causes for the model differences and implications for future model developments.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Demetrius A. Abshire, Guillermo M. Wippold, Dawn K. Wilson, Bernardine M. Pinto, Janice C. Probst, James W. Hardin
Summary: This study conducted telephone interviews with 23 overweight or obese Black men in rural South Carolina communities to explore the factors that affect their motivation and weight-related behaviors, and to culturally adapt behavioral interventions for this population. Findings revealed that physical health and health behaviors were key determinants of overall health, and social support from family and friends both increased and hindered motivation. Younger participants expressed stronger views on the lack of support for healthy lifestyles in rural environments, along with personal challenges and lack of motivation.
SOCIAL SCIENCE & MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Karthik Balaguru, Wenwei Xu, Chuan-Chieh Chang, L. Ruby Leung, David R. Judi, Samson M. Hagos, Michael F. Wehner, James P. Kossin, Mingfang Ting
Summary: Several pathways have been proposed to explain how climate change may affect the U.S. coastal hurricane risk, but the physical mechanisms and possible connections between these pathways are still unclear. Future projections of hurricane activity (1980-2100), based on multiple climate models using a synthetic hurricane model, show an increased frequency of hurricanes in the Gulf and lower East coast regions. This increase in coastal hurricane frequency is mainly driven by changes in steering flow, which can be attributed to the development of an upper-level cyclonic circulation over the western Atlantic.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Wenyu Zhou, L. Ruby Leung, Jian Lu
Summary: Relative humidity decreases over land under anthropogenic warming and this decrease is coupled with the decline in soil moisture. Interactive soil moisture is necessary and may be sufficient to explain the decrease in land relative humidity. The prior imbalance in evaporation and precipitation increases, facilitated by interactive soil moisture, leads to a drying effect on land.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Xingchao Chen, L. Ruby Leung, Zhe Feng, Qiu Yang
Summary: Based on 20 years of satellite observations, reanalysis data, and MCS tracking, this study examines the environmental controls on tropical oceanic MCS precipitation. The results show that MCSs initiating in a mesoscale environment with enhanced lower-free-tropospheric moisture, warmer middle troposphere, stronger low-level ascent, and stronger deep-layer wind shear tend to produce more precipitation. The study also finds nonlinearity in the relationship between lower-free-tropospheric specific humidity and MCS lifetime rainfall, while both MCS area and rain rate increase quasi-linearly with deep-layer wind shear.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Meteorology & Atmospheric Sciences
Sally S. -C. Wang, L. Ruby Leung, Yun Qian
Summary: Increasing temperature and water cycle changes may lead to more frequent and intense wildfires. A neural network model was used to predict future fire PM2.5 emissions and identify their drivers. The results suggest that warmer temperature, decreasing soil moisture, and land use change play important roles in increasing fire emissions in the future.
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-ATMOSPHERES
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
James F. Thrasher, Stuart G. Ferguson, Emily E. Hackworth, Chung-Li Wu, Victoria C. Lambert, Norman Porticella, Minji Kim, James W. Hardin, Jeff Niederdeppe
Summary: Cigarette pack inserts with cessation messages may promote smoking cessation behaviors.
ANNALS OF BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE
(2024)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Koichi Sakaguchi, L. Ruby Leung, Colin M. Zarzycki, Jihyeon Jang, Seth McGinnis, Bryce E. Harrop, William C. Skamarock, Andrew Gettelman, Chun Zhao, William J. Gutowski, Stephen Leak, Linda Mearns
Summary: Comprehensive assessment of climate datasets is crucial for communicating model projections and uncertainties to stakeholders. The study focuses on understanding the sources of uncertainties in global variable-resolution dynamical downscaling and provides technical details of the model configuration, simulations, computational requirements, post-processing, and data archive of the CAM-MPAS downscaling data.
GEOSCIENTIFIC MODEL DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Zhe Feng, Joseph Hardin, Hannah C. Barnes, Jianfeng Li, L. Ruby Leung, Adam Varble, Zhixiao Zhang
Summary: This paper introduces a new open-source framework called PyFLEXTRKR, which is a flexible atmospheric feature tracking software package capable of tracking convective clouds from various observations and model simulations. The software can track any atmospheric 2D objects and handle merging and splitting explicitly. It includes multi-object identification algorithms, parallelization options, and optimization for large datasets. The applications of PyFLEXTRKR on tracking individual convective cells and mesoscale convective systems are demonstrated, and the package also provides visualization, post-processing, and statistical analysis tools. The new Lagrangian analyses provided by PyFLEXTRKR facilitate advanced model evaluation and development efforts as well as scientific discovery.
GEOSCIENTIFIC MODEL DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Andrew Geiss, Po-Lun Ma, Balwinder Singh, Joseph C. Hardin
Summary: Atmospheric aerosols have a significant impact on climate and are a major source of uncertainty in climate prediction. Accurate representation of their direct radiative effects is crucial in climate models, but direct computation of their optical properties is computationally expensive. This study develops artificial neural networks (ANNs) to replace the current parameterization method and provides more accurate aerosol optical properties.
GEOSCIENTIFIC MODEL DEVELOPMENT
(2023)