A New Sedimentation Model for Greater Cloud Diversity in Giant Exoplanets and Brown Dwarfs

The observed atmospheric spectrum of exoplanets and brown dwarfs depends critically on the presence distribution condensates. Ackerman & Marley (2001) methodology for predicting vertical condensate particles is widely used to study cloudy atmospheres has recently been implemented in an open-source python package virga. model relies upon input parameter $f_{\text{sed}}$, sedimentation efficiency, which until now held constant. relative simplicity this renders it useful retrieval studies due its rapidly attainable solutions. However, comparisons with more complex microphysical models such as CARMA have highlighted inconsistencies between two approaches, namely that cloud parameters needed radiative transfer produced by virga are dissimilar those CARMA. To address these discrepancies, we extended original allow non-constant $f_{\text{sed}}$ values, particular vary altitude. We discuss one parameterization compare mass mixing ratio constant variable profiles find formulation better captures profile heterogeneous nucleation, yet performs comparatively homogeneous nucleation. In general, capacity handle any explicit anti-derivative, permitting a plethora alternative otherwise unattainable values. ensuing flexibility potential agree increasingly data.