Research / Research Highlights

A Radar View of Ice Microphysics and Turbulence in Arctic

Submitter

Oue, Mariko — Stony Brook University
Kollias, Pavlos — Stony Brook University

Area of Research

Cloud Processes

Journal Reference

Yan J, M Oue, P Kollias, E Luke, and F Yang. 2025. "A radar view of ice microphysics and turbulence in arctic cloud systems." Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics, 25(22), 10.5194/acp-25-16479-2025.

Science

Ice microphysical processes are inherently complex because of the diversity of ice crystal habits and their interaction with supercooled liquid water and turbulence. We investigate the radar signatures of ice particle habits and the role of turbulence on ice particle growth in the arctic mixed-phase clouds.

Impact

For the first time, our study provides a map of ice particle growth and sublimation across a broad range of temperature and moisture conditions based on long-term radar observations. The results enhance understanding of the role of turbulence in ice microphysics and underscore the importance of incorporating both environmental conditions and turbulence to improve the representation of ice microphysical processes in models.

Summary

This study provides a comprehensive investigation into ice microphysical processes and their interaction with turbulence in arctic stratiform clouds using 6.5 years of ground-based radar and radiosonde observations at the U.S. Department of Energy's Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) North Slope of Alaska site. For the first time, ice particle growth and sublimation—diagnosed from vertical gradients of radar reflectivity and mean Doppler velocity—are systematically mapped across a broad range of temperature and moisture conditions. These vertical gradients correspond closely to saturation levels relative to ice and exhibit a strong temperature dependence in supersaturated regions. Notably, distinct signatures near −15 °C are indicative of dendritic growth. Turbulence, quantified via the eddy dissipation rate, is most frequently observed in regions containing supercooled liquid water. The co-occurrence of supercooled liquid water and elevated turbulence results in significantly enhanced ice particle growth compared to conditions in which either is present alone.