Assessing the Influence of Microphysics Parameterizations on In-Cloud Ground Icing Using WRF V 4.4

The precise simulation of in-cloud icing is essential for various atmospheric and aviation-related applications. This study aims to investigate the sensitivity of different microphysics schemes within the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF) V 4.4 in simulating in-cloud ground icing events during the period from May 2023 to April 2024 over Fagernes Mountain, a complex terrain site in northern Norway. Specifically, we will investigate the Thompson, Thompson-Eidhammer, WDM7, and P3 schemes. Microphysics schemes are critical in representing the formation, growth, and fallout of hydrometeors, within clouds, thereby significantly impacting the accuracy of cloud and precipitation forecasts in numerical weather prediction models.

Preliminary insights suggest that there may be significant variations in the simulation of in-cloud icing among the different microphysics schemes. For instance, one of our case studies has indicated that the Thompson scheme might excel at low icing rates, while the Morrison scheme could perform better at high icing rates. The Thompson-Eidhammer and P3 schemes are sophisticated and may provide more nuanced predictions of cloud liquid water and icing severity across various conditions. In contrast, simplerschemes might underestimate or overestimate icing conditions due to their less comprehensive treatment of microphysical processes. This study will highlight the importance of selecting an appropriate microphysics scheme based on specific meteorological conditions and the desired level of detail in the simulation. The results will underscore the need for continued refinement of microphysics parameterizations in numerical weather prediction models to improve the accuracy of in-cloud ground icing forecasts and other related applications.