Budget of Particulates in a 3D Model of Marine Stratocumulus-Topped Planetary Boundary Layer

A Marine Stratocumulus-Topped Planetary Boundary Layer is an important climate-forming element. This is due to the high solar radiation reflectivity of cloud deks which, with relatively small changes, can compensate or enhance the warming due to "greenhouse" gases. A number of mechanisms potentially capable of influencing the properties of marine stratocumuli has been proposed recently. However, the overall effect depends on the interaction between microphysics, 3D dynamics, radiation, and chemistry The results of 3D Large Eddy Simulation Model of a Sc-Topped Layer with explicit microphysics are analyzed in this study, with emphasis on the interaction of microphysical processes with 3D convective dynamics. We analyze cycles of cloud condensation nucleus turnover due to condensation in updrafts and regeneration from evaporating drops in downdrafts. Similar analysis of drop lifecycles is made for different stages of stratocumulus development.