Evaluating the collision‐coalescence process in idealized cloud convection using large‐eddy simulations with Lagrangian microphysics
Ren, Y., Chandrakar, K. K., Yang, F., Shaw, R. A.. (2026). Evaluating the collision‐coalescence process in idealized cloud convection using large‐eddy simulations with Lagrangian microphysics. Geophysical Research Letters, doi:https://doi.org/10.1029/2025GL118873
| Title | Evaluating the collision‐coalescence process in idealized cloud convection using large‐eddy simulations with Lagrangian microphysics |
|---|---|
| Genre | Article |
| Author(s) | Y. Ren, Kamal Kant Chandrakar, F. Yang, R. A. Shaw |
| Abstract | Drizzle initiation through the collision and coalescence of cloud droplets plays a crucial role inwarm cloud precipitation. Recent theoretical studies suggest that the influence of collisional growth on thedroplet size distribution can be quantified by a non‐dimensional drizzle number (Dz). Here, large‐eddysimulations with Lagrangian microphysics are employed to evaluate the theory by simulating a tall convection‐cloud chamber under various conditions. Results show that the smaller the Dz, the larger the impact of collisionson the right tail of the droplet size distribution, consistent with the theory. The simulations confirm that thecollision rate can be estimated from the droplet size distribution interacting only with cloud droplets of the samesize at the mode radius. This suggests that the idealized theory can be a useful tool to design a cloud chamber fordrizzle investigation, as well as to represent drizzle formation in models of real atmospheric clouds. |
| Publication Title | Geophysical Research Letters |
| Publication Date | Apr 16, 2026 |
| Publisher's Version of Record | https://doi.org/10.1029/2025GL118873 |
| OpenSky Citable URL | https://n2t.net/ark:/85065/d79c730m |
| OpenSky Listing | View on OpenSky |
| MMM Affiliations | DPM |