Warm Cloud Size Distribution Experiment Based on 70 m3 Expansion Cloud Chamber

Abstract

To better understand the influence of aerosols on micro-properties of clouds and to facilitate weather modification experiments including the analysis of various materials' seeding effect on clouds and precipitation, Beijing Weather Modification Center has taken a decisive step forward by constructing an advanced facility known as Beijing aerosol and cloud interaction chamber (BACIC) in suburban Pinggu district. Boasting an impressive volume of 70 m3, BACIC is not only the largest of its kind in operation in China, but also a testament to the scale of the country's commitment to this sphere of atmospheric science. The enormity of the chamber's capacity facilitates the performance of a broad spectrum of investigations, thus enhancing the comprehensiveness and reliability of the results obtained.Inside BACIC, advanced instrumentation allows for the meticulous measurement and control of temperature, relative humidity, and background aerosol concentration. During 2019-2021, the chamber's capabilities extend further, as demonstrated by successful tests of its ability to create liquid and mixed-phase clouds. These attributes, combined with its capacity to control the cloud droplet size distribution as proved by comparative experiments involving changes in expansion rate and aerosol number concentration, solidify BACIC's standing as a prime location for warm cloud experimentation. The chamber has also been utilized to investigate effects of anthropogenic pollution over North China Plain (NCP) on cloud microphysics. Using ambient air and manipulating the expansion rate, a significant correlation is discovered between such pollution and the size distribution of cloud droplets. Interestingly, while an increase in aerosol leads to higher number of cloud droplets, it also causes a decrease in droplet size, typically within the range of 5-8 μm. Furthermore, an increase in aerosol number concentration leads to a decrease in the activation rate of aerosols into cloud droplets. This activation rate is around 10% for aerosol concentrations less than 5000 cm-3, and remains stable even when the aerosol concentration increases to 10000 cm-3.BACIC is also proved useful in conducting warm cloud expansion experiments involving different hygroscopic materials. It shows that the distribution of submicron (less than 1 μm) hygroscopic catalysts in a polluted environment leads to narrowing of the cloud droplet spectrum. It suggests that for the purpose of artificially reducing warm clouds or fog, it is recommended to use larger particle sizes. The results obtained from these diverse series of experiments have significantly contributed to theoretical knowledge and provide practical guidance for the ongoing development of artificial weather modification techniques.

Keywords

• cloud chamber
• adiabatic expansion
• aerosol
• size distribution of cloud droplet