Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A modeling study of surface rainfall processes associated with a torrential rainfall event over Hubei, China, during July 2007

  • Published:
Advances in Atmospheric Sciences Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The surface rainfall processes associated with the torrential rainfall event over Hubei, China, during July 2007 were investigated using a two-dimensional cloud-resolving model. The model integrated the large-scale vertical velocity and zonal wind data from National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP)/Global Data Assimilation System (GDAS) for 5 days. The time and model domain mean surface rain rate was used to identify the onset, mature, and decay periods of rainfall. During the onset period, the descending motion data imposed in the lower troposphere led to a large contribution of stratiform rainfall to the model domain mean surface rainfall. The local atmospheric drying and transport of rain from convective regions mainly contributes to the stratiform rainfall. During the mature periods, the ascending motion data integrated into the model was so strong that water vapor convergence was the dominant process for both convective and stratiform rainfall. Both convective and stratiform rainfalls made important contributions to the model domain mean surface rainfall. During the decay period, descending motion data input into the model prevailed, making stratiform rainfall dominant. Stratiform rainfall was mainly caused by the water vapor convergence over raining stratiform regions.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Chou, M.-D., and M. J. Suarez, 1994: An efficient thermal infrared radiation parameterization for use in general circulation model. NASA Tech. Memo. 104606, Vol. 3, 85pp. [Available from NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center, Code 913, Greenbelt, MD 20771.]

  • Chou, M.-D., M. J. Suarez, C.-H. Ho, M. M.-H. Yan, and K.-T. Lee, 1998: Parameterizations for cloud overlapping and shortwave single scattering properties for use in general circulation and cloud ensemble models. J. Atmos. Sci., 55, 201–214.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fang, H., Q. Jun, and L. Dun, 2003: A numerical simulation to microphysical processes of a heavy rain through the study of 3-D cloud model. Journal of Central China Normal University (Natural Science Edition), 37, 115–122. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Gao, S., 2008: A cloud-resolving modeling study of cloud radiative effects on tropical equilibrium states. J. Geophys. Res., 113, D03108, doi: 10.1029/2007JD009177.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gao, S., and X. Li, 2008a: Cloud-Resolving Modeling of Convective Processes. Springer, 206pp.

  • Gao, S., and X. Li, 2008b: Responses of tropical deep convective precipitation systems and their associated convective and stratiform regions to the large-scale forcing. Quart. J. Roy. Meteor. Soc., 134, 2127–2141.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gao, S., X. Cui, Y. Zhou, and X. Li, 2005a: Surface rainfall processes as simulated in a cloud resolving model. J. Geophys. Res., 110, D10202, doi: 10.1029/2004JD005467.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gao, S., X. Cui, Y. Zhou, X. Li, and W.-K. Tao, 2005b: A modeling study of moist and dynamic vorticity vectors associated with 2D tropical convection. J. Geophys. Res., 110, D17104, doi: 10.1029/2004JD005675.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gao, S., F. Ping, and X. Li, 2006: Cloud microphysical processes associated with the diurnal variations of tropical convection: A 2D cloud resolving modeling study. Meteor. Atmos. Phys., 91, 9–16.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gao, S., Y. Zhou, and X. Li, 2007a: Effects of diurnal variations on tropical equilibrium states: A twodimensional cloud-resolving modeling study. J. Atmos. Sci., 64, 656–664.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Gao, S., X. Li, W.-K. Tao, C.-L. Shie, and S. Lang, 2007b: Convective and moist vorticity vectors associated with three-dimensional tropical oceanic convection during KWAJEX. J. Geophys. Res., 112, D01104, doi: 10.1029/2006JD007179.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grabowski, W. W., X. Wu, and M. W. Moncrieff, 1996: Cloud-resolving model of tropical cloud systems during Phase III of GATE. Part I: Two-dimensional experiments. J. Atmos. Sci., 53, 3684–3709.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Grabowski, W. W., X. Wu, M. W. Moncrieff, and W. D. Hall, 1998: Cloud-resolving model of tropical cloud systems during Phase III of GATE. Part II: Effects of resolution and the third spatial dimension. J. Atmos. Sci., 55, 3264–3282.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Khairoutdinov, M. F., and D. A. Randall, 2003: Cloudresolving modeling of the ARM summer 1997 IOP: Model formulation, results, uncertainties, and sensitivities. J. Atmos. Sci., 60, 607–625.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Kong, F., M. Huang, and H. Xu, 1987: The effects of a cold water surface on cumulus clouds: A numerical experiment. Scientia Meteorologica Sinica, 11, 160–166. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Kong, F., M. Huang, and H. Xu, 1991: Three-dimensional numerical simulation of ice phase microphysics in cumulus clouds. Part II: Effects of multiplication processes. Chinese Journal of Atmospheric Sciences, 15, 459–470. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Li, X., C.-H. Sui, K.-M. Lau, and M.-D. Chou, 1999: Large-scale forcing and cloud-radiation interaction in the tropical deep convective regime. J. Atmos. Sci., 56, 3028–3042.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Li, X., C.-H. Sui, and K.-M. Lau, 2002: Interactions between tropical convection and its environment: An energetics analysis of a 2-D cloud resolving simulation. J. Atmos. Sci., 59, 1712–1722.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ninomiya, K., and T. Akiyama, 1992: Multiscale features of Baiyu, the summer monsoon over Japan and the East Asia. J. Meteor. Soc. Japan, 70, 467–495.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ping, F., Z. Luo, and X. Li, 2007: Microphysical and radiative effects of ice microphysics on tropical equilibrium states: A two-dimensional cloud-resolving modeling study. Mon. Wea. Rev., 135, 2794–2802.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rutledge, S. A., and P. V. Hobbs, 1983: The mesoscale and microscale structure and organization of clouds and precipitation in midlatitude cyclones. Part VIII: A model for the “seeder-feeder” process in warmfrontal rainbands. J. Atmos. Sci., 40, 1185–1206.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sui, C.-H., K.-M. Lau, W.-K. Tao, and J. Simpson, 1994: The tropical water and energy cycles in a cumulus ensemble model. Part I: Equilibrium climate. J. Atmos. Sci., 51, 711–728.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sui, C.-H., X. Li, M.-J. Yang, and H.-L. Huang, 2005: Estimation of oceanic precipitation efficiency in cloud models. J. Atmos. Sci., 62, 4358–4370.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sui, C.-H., X. Li, and M.-J. Yang, 2007: On the definition of precipitation efficiency. J. Atmos. Sci., 64, 4506–4513.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tao, S., 1979: The Torrential Rain in China. Science Press, Beijing, 225pp. (in Chinese).

    Google Scholar 

  • Tao, S., Y. Ni, and S. Zhao, 2001: Study on Formation Mechanism and Forecast of Torrential Rain in China in 1998. Chinese Meteorological Press, Beijing. 184pp. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Tao, W.-K., and S.-T. Soong, 1986: The study of the response of deep tropical clouds to mesoscale processes: Three-dimensional numerical experiments. J. Atmos. Sci., 43, 2653–2676.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tao, W.-K., and J. Simpson, 1984: Cloud interactions and merging: Numerical simulations. J. Atmos. Sci., 41, 2901–2917.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tao, W.-K., and J. Simpson, 1993: The Goddard Cumulus Ensemble model. Part I: Model description. Terrestrial Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, 4, 35–72.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tao, W.-K, J. Simpson, and M. McCumber, 1989: An icewater saturation adjustment. Mon. Wea. Rev., 117, 231–235.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tao, W.-K., J. Simpson, C.-H. Sui, B. Ferrier, S. Lang, J. Scala, M.-D. Chou, and K. Pickering, 1993: Heating, moisture, and water budgets of tropical and midlatitude squall lines: Comparisons and sensitivity to longwave radiation. J. Atmos. Sci., 50, 673–690.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tao, W.-K., C.-L. Shie, J. Simpson, S. Braun, R. H. Johnson, and P. E. Ciesielski, 2003: Convective systems over the South China Sea: Cloud-resolving model simulations. J. Atmos. Sci., 60, 2929–2956.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tompkins, A. M., 2000: The impact of dimensionality on long-term cloud-resolving model simulations. Mon. Wea. Rev., 128, 1521–1535.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wu, R., S. Gao, and Z. Tan, 2004: Front process and meso-scale distribution. Study on Formation Mechanism and Prediction Theory of Key Weather Disaster, Ni and Zhou, Eds, China Meteorological Press, Beijing, 282pp.

    Google Scholar 

  • Wu, X., W. W. Grabowski, and M. W. Moncrieff, 1998: Long-term evolution of cloud systems in TOGA COARE and their interactions with radiative and surface processes. Part I: Two-dimensional cloudresolving model. J. Atmos. Sci., 55, 2693–2714.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu, H., W. Ji, and M. Huang, 1988: A numerical study of the effects of wind shear on cinvective development. Scientia Meteorologica Sinica, 12, 405–411. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Xu, K.-M., and Coauthors, 2002: An intercomparison of cloud resolving models with the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement summer 1997 Intensive Observation Period data. Quart. J. Roy. Meteor. Soc., 128, 593–624.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xu, X., F. Xu, and B. Li, 2007: A cloud-resolving modeling study of a torrential rainfall event over China. J. Geophys. Res., 112, D17204, doi: 10.1029/2006JD008275.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, S., S. Tao, and Q. Zhang, 2002: Large and meso-α scale characteristics of intense rainfall in the midand lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Chinese Science Bulletin, 47, 779–786.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou, Y., G. Deng, and H. Cheng, 2005a: Synoptic features of the second Meiyu period in 1998 over China. Acta Meteoologica Sinica, 19, 31–43. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou, Y., S. Gao, and G. Deng, 2005b: A diagnostic study of water vapor transport and budget during heavy precipitation over the Changjiang River and the Huanhe River Basins in 2003. Chinese J. Atmos. Sci., 29, 195–204. (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou, Y., X. Cui, and X. Li, 2006: Contribution of cloud condensate to surface rain rate. Progress in Natural Science, 16, 64–70.

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratory of Cloud-Precipitation Physics and Severe Storms, Institute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100029, China

    Yushu Zhou  (周玉淑)

  2. State Key Laboratory of Severe Weather, Beijing, 100081, China

    Yushu Zhou  (周玉淑)

  3. Institute of Heavy Rain, China Meteorological Administration, Wuhan, 430074, China

    Chunguang Cui  (崔春光)

Authors
  1. Yushu Zhou  (周玉淑)
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Chunguang Cui  (崔春光)
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Yushu Zhou  (周玉淑).

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Zhou, Y., Cui, C. A modeling study of surface rainfall processes associated with a torrential rainfall event over Hubei, China, during July 2007. Adv. Atmos. Sci. 28, 1459–1470 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00376-010-0119-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Revised:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00376-010-0119-8

Key words

Search

Navigation