Analyzing the Efficacy of Precipitation in Aerosol Clearance Using Lidar, Micro Rain Radar, and Disdrometer Observations.

We quantitatively assess the aerosol removal of aerosols by precipitation, using lidar, micro rain radar, and disdrometer observations. Precipitation acts as an effective means of cleansing the atmosphere of aerosols through several processes. Fine and coarse aerosol particles are each subject to below-cloud scavenging, characterized by distinct coefficients for each particle category. Data from lidar, micro rain radar, and disdrometers have revealed aerosol depletion at the melting layer, where the wet scavenging coefficient (WSC) is influenced by the rainfall intensity and the interaction efficacy between raindrops and aerosol particles. The synergy of cloud dynamics and precipitation is pivotal in aerosol removal, with lidar data indicating the influence of evaporation and the modulation of latent heat in the process. Precipitation is found to markedly expedite the clearance of aerosols from the air, accounting for up to 80% of the total removal under specific scenarios. This investigation underscores the vital function of precipitation in the dynamics of atmospheric aerosols and sheds light on the consequential environmental and climate-related impacts.