The evolution of contrail microphysics in the vortex phase
We investigate the evolution of contrails during the vortex phase using numerical simulations. Emphasis is placed on microphysical properties and on the vertical distribution of ice mass and number concentration at the end of the vortex phase. Instead of using a 3D model which would be preferable bu...
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2008-04-01
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Series: | Meteorologische Zeitschrift |
Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1127/0941-2948/2008/0273 |
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doaj-8f9ce2f3136144aba7a5d930787285402020-11-24T21:24:22ZengBorntraegerMeteorologische Zeitschrift0941-29482008-04-0117214515610.1127/0941-2948/2008/027356624The evolution of contrail microphysics in the vortex phaseSimon UnterstrasserKlaus GierensPeter SpichtingerWe investigate the evolution of contrails during the vortex phase using numerical simulations. Emphasis is placed on microphysical properties and on the vertical distribution of ice mass and number concentration at the end of the vortex phase. Instead of using a 3D model which would be preferable but computationally too costly, we use a 2D model equipped with a special tool for controlling vortex decay. We conduct a great number of sensitivity studies for one aircraft type. It turns out that atmospheric parameters, namely supersaturation, temperature, stability and turbulence level have the biggest impact on the number of ice crystals and on the ice mass that survives until vortex breakup and that therefore makes up the persistent contrail in supersaturated air. The initial ice crystal number density and its distribution in the vortex, are of minor importance.http://dx.doi.org/10.1127/0941-2948/2008/0273 |
collection |
DOAJ |
language |
English |
format |
Article |
sources |
DOAJ |
author |
Simon Unterstrasser Klaus Gierens Peter Spichtinger |
spellingShingle |
Simon Unterstrasser Klaus Gierens Peter Spichtinger The evolution of contrail microphysics in the vortex phase Meteorologische Zeitschrift |
author_facet |
Simon Unterstrasser Klaus Gierens Peter Spichtinger |
author_sort |
Simon Unterstrasser |
title |
The evolution of contrail microphysics in the vortex phase |
title_short |
The evolution of contrail microphysics in the vortex phase |
title_full |
The evolution of contrail microphysics in the vortex phase |
title_fullStr |
The evolution of contrail microphysics in the vortex phase |
title_full_unstemmed |
The evolution of contrail microphysics in the vortex phase |
title_sort |
evolution of contrail microphysics in the vortex phase |
publisher |
Borntraeger |
series |
Meteorologische Zeitschrift |
issn |
0941-2948 |
publishDate |
2008-04-01 |
description |
We investigate the evolution of contrails during the vortex phase using numerical simulations. Emphasis is placed on microphysical properties and on the vertical distribution of ice mass and number concentration at the end of the vortex phase. Instead of using a 3D model which would be preferable but computationally too costly, we use a 2D model equipped with a special tool for controlling vortex decay. We conduct a great number of sensitivity studies for one aircraft type. It turns out that atmospheric parameters, namely supersaturation, temperature, stability and turbulence level have the biggest impact on the number of ice crystals and on the ice mass that survives until vortex breakup and that therefore makes up the persistent contrail in supersaturated air. The initial ice crystal number density and its distribution in the vortex, are of minor importance. |
url |
http://dx.doi.org/10.1127/0941-2948/2008/0273 |
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