The microphysics of ice accretion on wires: Observations and simulations

Abstract

The weather system, meteorological conditions, and microphysics of cloud, fog, and rain droplets are studied during the formation, growth, maintenance, and shedding periods of ice accretion on wires in Enshi, Hubei Province in China using 2008/2009 and 2009/2010 winter observations. The comprehensive observations include data of visibility, microphysics of fog and rain droplets, and ice thickness, as well as data from an automated weather station and other routinely recorded meteorological data. The results show that icing occurred during the passage of a cold front, with a high-pressure system and a cold temperature trough at 850 hPa, and a southeasterly at 500 hPa that provided abundant moisture. Ice formation usually started in the evening or early morning, and ice shed around noon the following day when the temperature was −1°C to 0°C. The averaged liquid water content of the fog droplet was distinctly greater during the growth period than during the other three periods, and there was precipitation during the growth period in each case of ice accretion. The growth rate of the ice thickness was clearly correlated with the liquid water content, with a correlation coefficient of 0.62. Simulations using empirical equations were carried out, and the simulated ice thickness agreed with observations fairly well.