Aerosol-cloud-radiation interactions
To obtain processes-level understanding of aerosol-cloud-radiation interaction, we conduct cloud-resolving and large-eddy simulations of warm boundary-layer clouds as well as deep convective clouds. In situ and remote sensing observations are used to provide observations constrains and guidance for our numerical model simulations.
Impacts of long-range transport of aerosols
We utilized the ACE-ENA aircraft campaign data in combination of aerosol reanalysis data to examine the significance of long-range transported aerosol effect on marine boundary layer clouds. A series of aerosol-aware large-eddy simulations were conducted to quantify the cloud susceptibility to aerosols from long-range transport or local sources.
Hurricane Harvey and Industrial Pollution
The catastrophic flooding during Hurricane Harvey has received major attention, but the cause remains mysterious. By combining observation and cloud-resolving model simulations, we provide microphysical and thermodynamic insights into the cause of the catastrophic flooding during Hurricane Harvey by the aerosols from industrial sources.
Haze, Thunderstorm and Lightning
We studied the impact of anthropogenic aerosols serving as cloud condensation nuclei on thunderstorms and lightning activities in Southern China. We analyzed the 7-year surface measurements of precipitation, lightning flashes, and visibility to show that heavy preciptation amount and lighting flashes are positively correlated with aerosol concentrations. Cloud-resolving model simulations with the TAMU cloud microphysics we developed reveal the mechanism of the aerosol invigoration effects on deep convective clouds in the humid condition.
Light Absorbing Aerosols on PBL and Convection
We suggest that it is imperative to investigate the formation and transformation of light absorbing aerosols and their optical and cloud-forming properties and to assess their impacts on air quality, weather, and climate. In particular, considering the complicated atmospheric conditions, i.e., the aerosol mixing state, the diverse cloud types, and the altitude of the aerosol layer relative to clouds, the responses of cloud macro and micro properties to absorbing aerosols need to be fully assessed on both cloud-resolving and global scales.