Numerical Simulations of the 2 August 1981 CCOPE Supercell Storm with and without Ice Microphysics

Abstract

The first simulation uses liquid water-only microphysics and is denoted as the liquid water model (LWM). The second includes both liquid water and ice microphysics and is designated as the hail category model (HCM). Results from the two simulations show that the inclusion of ice significantly alters the dynamics, kinematics, thermodynamics, and distributions of water in the storm, especially at the lower levels. Supercell features such as a rotating intense updraft, bounded weak-echo region, large forward overhanging anvil, and hooklike structure in the low-level rainwater field are present in both simulations. these features are generally more pronounced, however, and have a longer lifetime in the HCM. -from Authors