Quantifying the Turbulent Entrainment‐Mixing Processes Based on Z‐LWC Relationships of Cloud Droplets

Abstract

Abstract Turbulent entrainment‐mixing processes profoundly influence the relationship between radar reflectivity factor and liquid water content (Z‐LWC) of cloud droplets. However, quantification of the entrainment‐mixing mechanisms based on the Z‐LWC relationship is still lacking. To address this gap, 12,218 entrainment‐mixing cases are simulated using the Explicit Mixing Parcel Model. We examine the variations of the parameters in the power‐law relationship Z = aLWCb, and the relationship between parameter b and homogeneous mixing degree (ψ), a measure quantifying entrainment‐mixing processes. The results indicate that parameter b distributes within the range of 1–2, with a positive correlation between parameter b and ψ. The b‐ψ relationship is fitted, which connects the Z‐LWC relationship for various entrainment‐mixing types. The results suggest the potential for employing a remote sensing approach to investigate the entrainment‐mixing mechanisms of non‐precipitating small cumulus/stratocumulus clouds, thereby overcoming the limitations of traditional observational studies that rely solely on aircraft observations.