Toward an improved understanding of ice-phase precipitation processes

Angela Rowe

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Tuesday, Aug 13, 2024, 2:00 pm MT
DSRC Room GC402

JOIN THE WEBINAR:

Abstract

Process-based evolution of ice-phase particles affect the location, phase, and rate of precipitation at the surface, but are poorly represented in many numerical models and create challenges for remote sensing retrieval algorithms. The small scale over which these processes occur contribute to these uncertainties, requiring realistic representation and improved understanding of varied particle populations within clouds. This issue becomes even more urgent as mountainous areas around the world become warmer with associated decline in snowpack and rain-on-snow events. With the U.S. Mountain West being a characteristic example, improved observations with synergistic modeling activities are required for further linking these varying precipitation processes to modifications and enhancements by steep mountainous terrain.

In this presentation, a discussion on recent approaches to improve orographic precipitation understanding, particularly within the ice phase, with in situ observations and particle-based modeling approaches will be presented. Within that context, I will provide an introduction to the upcoming Snow Sensitivity to Clouds in a Mountain Environment (S2noCLiME) field campaign. This project will collect synergistic ground-based, multi-frequency remote sensing, and in situ multi-instrument measurements for the 2024-2025 winter season in the Park Range of Northwest Colorado. In leveraging NSF Community Instruments and Facility assets, including at Storm Peak Lab, this project aims to investigate the orographic impacts on cloud and snowfall processes over an entire snow-accumulation season to capture known variability. Expected outcomes of the project and engagement with local communities and partners will be discussed.

About: Dr. Angela Rowe is an Assistant Professor in the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences. Her research focuses on collecting and analyzing data to improve understanding of cloud and mesoscale processes leading to high-impact weather around the world. Her primary observational research tool is weather radar to study precipitating systems in a range of environments including in mountainous regions and over tropical oceans. She is a graduate of Millersville University (B.S., 2005) and Colorado State University (M.S. 2008; Ph.D. 2011), having then worked at the University of Washington as a Research Scientist before starting at U. Wisconsin-Madison in 2020. In leadership positions in field campaigns, she aims to continue fostering a safe and welcoming environment for all students and participants in field work.