The Complexity of Arctic Clouds
Submitter:
Shupe, Matthew — University of Colorado
Area of research:
Cloud Processes
Journal Reference:
Science
Scientists refer to clouds containing both ice and supercooled water as “mixed-phase” clouds. In the Arctic, these clouds occur frequently during all seasons and can persist for many days at a time. This persistence is remarkable given the inherent instability of ice-liquid mixtures. How is this possible?
Impact
Scientists have identified complex buffering processes that allow mixed-phase clouds to persist in the Arctic long after they would have dissipated in other environments. These processes, including the formation and growth of cloud droplets, limited cloud ice formation, movement of radiation through the tops of clouds, turbulence, and possible contributions from heat and moisture changes near the ground, all participate in an interconnected web of interactions that support the resilience of mixed-phase clouds.
Summary
The ability to identify and characterize complex interactions that influence the formation and life cycle of mixed-phase clouds is critical to improve the accuracy of computer models that predict future climate. This is especially true for the Arctic, which is particularly sensitive to climate change. Mixed-phase clouds play a critical role in modulating Arctic energy flow. As little as a 5% shift in the frequency of occurrence between these clouds and clear conditions could have a profound influence on important Arctic climate indicators, including sea-ice concentration, freshwater runoff, and productivity and diversity in marine and terrestrial environments.