Urban growth and aerosol effects on convection over Houston: Part I: The August 2000 case

摘要: Abstract The objective of this paper is to investigate the effects growth Houston metropolitan area on characteristics and intensity convection precipitation. For purpose, we implemented Town Energy Budget (TEB) urban model into Regional Atmospheric Modeling System (RAMS). Landsat Thematic Mapper National Land Cover Data (NLCD) for corresponding years 1992, 2001 2006 were used an experimental design land-use sensitivity experiments. We analyzed impact two distinct groups convective cells triggered by sea breeze circulation August 24 2000 compared simulated precipitation RADAR data. first group storms occurred southwest city was not influenced cloud condensation nuclei (CCN), while second north (downwind) a few hours later. effect dramatic SW it linked monotonic increase in breeze. intensification sea-breeze when using 2001, NLCD land use datasets generated total precipitated volume 9, 11, 25%, respectively (over run with no city). Due increased exposure aerosols, upper levels downwind invigorated greater latent heat release higher amounts liquid water transported supercooled levels. However, did show behavior varied aerosol sources. With highest concentrations, riming ice particles became so inefficient that larger condensate upwards storm anvil, contributing reduction efficiency.