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Detailed Reference Information
Zhang et al. 2002
Zhang, J., Lohmann, U. and Lin, B. (2002). A new statistically based autoconversion rate parameterization for use in large-scale models. Journal of Geophysical Research 107: doi: 10.1029/2001JD001484. issn: 0148-0227.

The autoconversion rate is a key process for the formation of precipitation in warm clouds. In climate models, physical processes such as autoconversion rate, which are calculated from grid mean values, are biased, because they do not take subgrid variability into account. Recently, statistical cloud schemes have been introduced in large-scale models to account for partially cloud-covered grid boxes. However, these schemes do not include the in-cloud variability in their parameterizations. In this paper, a new statistically based autoconversion rate considering the in-cloud variability is introduced and tested in three cases using the Canadian Single Column Model (SCM) of the global climate model. The results show that the new autoconversion rate improves the model simulation, especially in terms of liquid water path in all three case studies.

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Abstract

Keywords
Atmospheric Composition and Structure, Cloud physics and chemistry, Meteorology and Atmospheric Dynamics, Numerical modeling and data assimilation, Meteorology and Atmospheric Dynamics, Precipitation
Journal
Journal of Geophysical Research
http://www.agu.org/journals/jb/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
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