Microphysical Structure of Simulated Marine Stratocumulus: Effects of Physical and Numerical Approximations

Over the past decade or so the evolution and equilibria of persistent decks of stratocumulus climatologically clinging to the edge of summertime subtropical highs have been an issue of increased scientific inquiry. The particular interest in the microphysical structure of these clouds stems from a variety of hypotheses which suggest that anthropogenic influences or biogenic feedbacks may alter the structure of these clouds in a climatically significant manner (e.g., Twomey 1977; Baker and Charlson 1990; Albrecht 1991; Ackerman et al. 1993; Pincus and Baker 1994).