Beyond bulk entrainment and detrainment rates: A new framework for diagnosing mixing in cumulus convection

Abstract

A new framework for diagnosing mixing in cumulus convection is proposed, where the vertical evolution of the cloud mass flux distribution as a function of given parcel properties is viewed as a mapping process. Matrices that characterize this mapping process are constructed using a Lagrangian particle dispersion model embedded in a Large Eddy Simulation. Extending previous use of LES-diagnosed bulk entrainment and detrainment rates to test bulk plume models, the construction of these mapping matrices from LES provides a reference, against which multiple-parcel models can be compared. The framework is further applied to diagnose the response of shallow cumuli to a small temperature perturbation. © 2012. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.