Model simulations of melting hydrometeors: A new lidar bright band from melting frozen drops

Abstract

This study provides a model simulation of lidar and radar echoes from melting frozen drops. Results are based on a concentric-sphere Mie scattering code, together with a melting layer model. Simulations reveal the appearance of a lidar bright band in the melting layer, as well as a fainter radar bright band. Both maxima are located approximately 300 m below the freezing level for a core/shell radius of 0.7. In order to achieve a more realistic representation of the melting process, preliminary simulations have also been obtained from an eccentric sphere Mie scattering code that are in general agreement with results obtained with the concentric sphere code. The sensitivity of the algorithms to changes in initial conditions is investigated.