Response of marine post-frontal clouds to Gulf Stream variability
ID：696
Oral Presentation
2027-01-14 08:45 （China Standard Time）
Session：Session 54 - Aerosol–Cloud–Radiation Interactions in the Ocean–Atmosphere System
Abstract
Understanding how Gulf Stream variation influences cloud morphology is critical for evaluating
cloud feedback in the western North Atlantic Ocean and beyond, where mesoscale air-sea interactions domi
nate. This study investigates the impact of altered mean sea surface temperature (SST) and SST gradients on
post-frontal cloud characteristics during cold-air outbreaks, using the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF)
model. Three sensitivity experiments are conducted: a control simulation (default SST), Plus4 (uniform SST
increase of 4 K), and Gradplus (SST gradient enhanced by 25 %, centered around mean SST). Results reveal
distinctly different responses in boundary layer dynamics and cloud macro-physics. In Plus4, a warmer and
moister boundary layer reduces total cloud cover but promotes larger cloud sizes and elongated cloud streets,
with diminished liquid water and enhanced ice-phase hydrometeors. Conversely, Gradplus amplifies impacts in
the upwind colder SST regions, yielding a drier, colder boundary layer, weaker energy transport, and higher liq
uid water path but reduced ice water content and cloud lines. Tracer analysis highlights that SST modifications
alter airmass sources near cloud tops due to the entrainment of ambient air, with Plus4 amplifying boundary layer
contributions to cloud-top regions. These findings underscore the spatially varying effects of SST gradients and
mean SST on cloud organization and microphysics, emphasizing the need to resolve ocean-atmosphere coupling
in global models to improve the prediction of marine cloud feedback under warming scenarios.
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Important Dates
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Jan 30
2026
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Mar 31
2026
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Apr 30
2026
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Apr 30
2026
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Jun 30
2026
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Aug 31
2026
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Sep 15
2026
Scientific program released
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Oct 15
2026
Early bird registration closes
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Jan 12–15
2027
XMAS 2027