Large Mesoscale Convective Systems Research Articles

A Parameterization for Cloud Organization and Propagation by Evaporation‐Driven Cold Pool Edges

AbstractWhen the negatively buoyant air in the cloud downdrafts reaches the surface, it spreads out horizontally, producing cold pools. A cold pool can trigger new convective cells. However, when combined with the ambient vertical wind shear, it can also connect and upscale them into large mesoscale convective systems (MCS). Given the broad spectrum of scales of the atmospheric phenomenon involving the interaction between cold pools and the MCS, a parameterization was designed here. Then, it is coupled with a classical convection parameterization to be applied in an atmospheric model with an insufficient spatial resolution to explicitly resolve convection and the sub‐cloud layer. A new scalar quantity related to the deficit of moist static energy detrained by the downdrafts mass flux is proposed. This quantity is subject to grid‐scale advection, mixing, and a sink term representing dissipation processes. The model is then applied to simulate moist convection development over a large portion of tropical land in the Amazon Basin in a wet and dry‐to‐wet 10‐days period. Our results show that the cold pool edge parameterization improves the organization, longevity, propagation, and severity of simulated MCS over the Amazon and other different continental areas.

The Impact of Topography on the Environment and Life Cycle of Weakly and Strongly Forced MCSs during RELAMPAGO

Abstract Intense deep convection and large mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) are known to occur downstream of the Andes in subtropical South America. Deep convection is often focused along the Sierras de Córdoba (SDC) in the afternoon and then rapidly grows upscale and moves to the east overnight. However, how the Andes and SDC impact the life cycle of MCSs under varying synoptic conditions is not well understood. Two sets of terrain-modification experiments using WRF are used to investigate the impact of topography in different synoptic regimes. The first set is run on the 13–14 December 2018 MCS case from RELAMPAGO, which featured a deep synoptic trough, strong lee cyclogenesis near the SDC, an enhanced low-level jet, and rapid upscale growth of an MCS. When the Andes are reduced by 50%, the lee cyclone and low-level jet that develop are weaker than with the full Andes, and the resulting MCS is weak and moves faster to the east. When the SDC are removed, few differences between the environment and resulting MCS relative to the control run are seen. A second set of experiments are run on the 25–26 January 2019 case in which a large MCS developed over the SDC and remained tied there for an extended period under weak synoptic forcing. The experiment that produces the most similar MCS to the control is when the Andes are reduced by 50% while maintaining the height of the SDC, suggesting the SDC may play a more important role in the MCS life cycle under quiescent synoptic conditions.

THE COUPLING BET WEEN CONVECTIVE VARIABILITY AND LARGE-SCALE FLOW PATTERNS OBSERVED DURING PISTON 2018-2019

AbstractThe Propagation of Intraseasonal Oscillations (PISTON) field campaign took place in the waters of the western tropical North Pacific during the late-summer and early-fall of 2018 and 2019. During both research cruises, the Colorado State University SEA-POL polarimetric C-Band weather radar obtained continuous 3D measurements of oceanic precipitation systems. This study provides an overview of the variability in convection observed during the PISTON cruises, and relates this variability to large-scale atmospheric conditions. Using an objective classification algorithm, precipitation features are identified and labeled by their size (isolated/sub-MCS/MCS) and degree of convective organization (nonlinear/linear). It is shown that although large mesoscale convective systems (MCS’s) occurred infrequently (present in 13% of radar scans), they contributed a disproportionately large portion (56%) of the total rain volume. Conversely, small isolated features were present in 91% of scans, yet these features contributed just 11% of the total rain volume, with the bulk of the rainfall owing to warm rain production. Convective rain rates and 30-dBZ echo top heights increased with feature size and degree of organization. MCS’s occurred more frequently in periods of low-level southwesterly winds, and when low-level wind shear was enhanced. By compositing radar and sounding data by phases of easterly waves (of which there were several in 2018), troughs are shown to be associated with increased precipitation and a higher relative frequency of MCS feature occurrence, while ridges are shown to be associated with decreased precipitation and a higher relative frequency of isolated convective features.

Simulating the Effects of Surface Energy Partitioning on Convective Organization: Case Study and Observations in the US Southern Great Plains

AbstractRealistic cloud‐resolving simulations were performed to study the effects of surface energy partitioning (surface sensible and latent heat fluxes) on the organization of isolated convection into larger mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) near the US Southern Great Plains. The role of cold pools in mediating surface‐convection interactions was explored. Better organized MCSs tended to occur in the experiments with perturbed wetter soil (and more active vegetation), regardless of the effects of soil moisture on the diurnal timing of convective triggering. Wetter soil led to shallower boundary layers and more convective available potential energy than drier soil. The roles of cold pools on convection are lifecycle‐stage dependent: A dry surface allows more numerous colliding cold pools, thereby aiding in convective triggering by reducing entrainment in the early stages, and providing gust‐front uplift in later stages. However, horizontal propagation of the cold‐pool density current can outrun the convective system, creating a slantwise updraft and thus weakening the gust front uplift in later stages. This effect calls into question previous cold pool parameterizations, in which the gust front uplift is mainly proportional to the negative buoyancy of cold air. Lastly, both the model and observation show an enhancement of surface latent heat flux during the passage of a gust front at night, suggesting that a positive feedback between the surface and convection helps MCSs to persist into the nighttime.

Understanding Intermodel Variability in Future Projections of a Sahelian Storm Proxy and Southern Saharan Warming

AbstractProjected changes in the intensity of severe rain events over the North African Sahel—falling from large mesoscale convective systems—cannot be directly assessed from global climate models due to their inadequate resolution and parameterization of convection. Instead, the large-scale atmospheric drivers of these storms must be analyzed. Here we study changes in meridional lower-tropospheric temperature gradient across the Sahel (ΔTGrad), which affect storm development via zonal vertical wind shear and Saharan air layer characteristics. Projected changes in ΔTGrad vary substantially among models, adversely affecting planning decisions that need to be resilient to adverse risks, such as increased flooding. This study seeks to understand the causes of these projection uncertainties and finds three key drivers. The first is intermodel variability in remote warming, which has strongest impact on the eastern Sahel, decaying toward the west. Second, and most important, a warming–advection–circulation feedback in a narrow band along the southern Sahara varies in strength between models. Third, variations in southern Saharan evaporative anomalies weakly affect ΔTGrad, although for an outlier model these are sufficiently substantive to reduce warming here to below that of the global mean. Together these uncertain mechanisms lead to uncertain southern Saharan/northern Sahelian warming, causing the bulk of large intermodel variations in ΔTGrad. In the southern Sahel, a local negative feedback limits the contribution to uncertainties in ΔTGrad. This new knowledge of ΔTGrad projection uncertainties provides understanding that can be used, in combination with further research, to constrain projections of severe Sahelian storm activity.

A Wave-Relative Framework Analysis of AEW–MCS Interactions Leading to Tropical Cyclogenesis

AbstractAn African easterly wave (AEW) and associated mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) dataset has been created and used to evaluate the propagation of MCSs, AEWs, and, especially, the propagation of MCSs relative to the AEW with which they are associated (i.e., wave-relative framework). The thermodynamic characteristics of AEW–MCS systems are also analyzed. The analysis is done for both AEW–MCS systems that develop into tropical cyclones and those that do not to quantify significant differences. It is shown that developing AEWs over West Africa are associated with a larger number of convective cloud clusters (CCCs; squall-line-type systems) than nondeveloping AEWs. The MCSs of developing AEWs propagate at the same speed of the AEW trough in addition to being in phase with the trough, whereas convection associated with nondeveloping AEWs over West Africa moves faster than the trough and is positioned south of it. These differences become important for the intensification of the AEW vortex as this slower-moving convection (i.e., moving at the same speed of the AEW trough) spends more time supplying moisture and latent heat to the AEW vortex, supporting its further intensification. An analysis of the rainfall rate (MCS intensity), MCS area, and latent heating rate contribution reveals that there are statistically significant differences between developing AEWs and nondeveloping AEWs, especially over West Africa where the fraction of extremely large MCS areas associated with developing AEWs is larger than for nondeveloping AEWs.

African Easterly Wave Dynamics in Convection‐Permitting Simulations: Rotational Stratiform Instability as a Conceptual Model

AbstractWe examine the upscale effect of moist convection on African easterly waves (AEWs) by limiting condensational heating and initial ambient moisture in convection‐permitting simulations. Moist convection is fundamental in maintaining and destabilizing AEWs. The contribution from barotropic‐baroclinic instability, albeit important, is relatively smaller. Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) are initiated downstream of the AEW troughs and are associated with extensive trailing stratiform cloud regions. Using a potential vorticity (PV) budget, we show that the attendant diabatic heating profile reinforces the AEW. A model for destabilization is proposed that relies on the phasing of stratiform heating and the PV anomaly of the AEW. It qualitatively resembles stratiform instability and stretched building blocks hypotheses introduced in previous studies. The generation of PV by deep moist convection in the vicinity of the trough counters the shearing effect of the background flow. This helps maintain an upright PV column, which is conducive for formation of tropical cyclones. AEW propagation is dominated by advective processes and intermittently modified by moist convection when large MCSs move ahead of the AEW.

The Primary Convective Pathway for Observed Wildfire Emissions in the Upper Troposphere and Lower Stratosphere: A Targeted Reinterpretation

AbstractThe literature—spanning several recent decades—describes numerous attempts to characterize the efficacy of cumulonimbus “Cb” convection as a pollutant pathway connecting the planetary BL to the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS). The relatively new discovery of wildfires triggering deep convection and Cb formation, referred to as pyrocumulonimbus “pyroCb,” has provided a new convective candidate for examination. Previous studies have shown that the pyroCb pathway offers a reinterpretation of supposed volcanic aerosol layers observed in the stratosphere. The community now questions whether this relatively unappreciated phenomenon has been overlooked or imprecisely characterized in published analyses of observed UTLS biomass burning constituents attributed to traditional convection, such as individual Cbs or larger mesoscale convective systems. Here we show that on at least two occasions, a reinterpretation of the literature is required. Both are in the context of coordinated measurement campaigns in summertime Central and North American domains. We provide a strategic review of prior studies and explore three selected works, wherein the pyroCb naturally explains observations of dramatically strong, remote, and high‐altitude biomass burning pollution. We complete our discussion with the implications for including the pyroCb phenomenon in case studies and assessments of the primary convective pathway for smoke particles to enter the UTLS.

A Case Study of the Effects of a Synoptic Situation on the Motion and Development of Warm-Sector Mesoscale Convective Systems over South China

The effects of a synoptic situation on the motion and development of warm-sector mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) in a heavy rainfall event occurred in South China on 8 May 2014 are investigated using high-resolution observational data and ERA-Interim data. The results show that the blocking of an eastward moving low-level trough over southwestern China by a stable anticyclone over eastern China induced strong southerly winds ahead of the trough and an eastward vertical slant of the wind speed maximum. Consequently, a southeastward low-level wind shear formed in the region under the southerly jet, which caused a southeastward turning of the motion of a large inland MCS. Meanwhile, a northeastward/eastward low-level wind shear formed in the region under the east side of the southerly jet, leading to northeastward/eastward movement of some small MCSs in the coastal region. The continuous merging of the southeastward-moving MCS with the northeastward/eastward-moving MCSs resulted in heavy rainfall along the coastal region. On the other hand, the intensification and expansion of associated low and high mean-sea-level pressure (MSLP) centers caused southeastward migration of strong boundary-layer moisture flux convergence and high convective available potential energy zones, which promoted the persistent development of the large MCS and the later development of the small MCSs. Moreover, the strong boundary-layer southeasterly winds associated with the high MSLP center continuously enhanced the frontal ascent of the large MCS. These southeasterly winds also triggered the small MCSs through the convergence induced by differential surface friction between the land and sea or the convergence of them with the southwesterly winds from the South China Sea.

Long‐Lived Mesoscale Convective Systems of Superparameterized CAM and the Response of CAM

AbstractMesoscale organized convection is generally misrepresented in the large‐scale convective parameterizations used in contemporary climate models. This impacts extreme weather events (e.g., Madden‐Jullian Oscillation) and the general circulation driven by the significant amount of latent heat released from mesoscale organized convection. Studies show that the missing processes could be partially recovered by embedding a 2‐D cloud‐resolving model in each general circulation model columns, that is, superparameterization. To enable analysis of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) in the multiscale modeling framework, we apply a detection and hierarchical clustering algorithm on the 3‐hourly 2‐D cloud‐resolving model embedded in the superparameterized Community Atmosphere Model (SPCAM) 5.2. We then examine the fields of a long‐lived and large MCS cluster at the central Pacific. The MCS cluster shows a squall line‐like circulation throughout the life cycle in SPCAM. We simultaneously obtain the 3‐hourly CAM parameterized convection outputs based on the time step‐wise perfect initial conditions given by SPCAM. This allows pure model physics comparison without introducing initial condition errors. The results show that CAM has a systematically biased stratiform cooling and moistening response below 3 km to the given SPCAM deep convection favoring conditions. We show that this bias is mainly due to the CAM's stratiform microphysics scheme. The mesoscale organization in SPCAM thus provides a baseline for improvements of convective parameterization of CAM.

Can explicit convection improve modelled dust in summertime West Africa?

Abstract. Global and regional models have large systematic errors in their modelled dust fields over West Africa. It is well established that cold-pool outflows from moist convection (haboobs) can raise over 50 % of the dust over parts of the Sahara and Sahel in summer, but parameterised moist convection tends to give a very poor representation of this in models. Here, we test the hypothesis that an explicit representation of convection in the Met Office Unified Model (UM) improves haboob winds and so may reduce errors in modelled dust fields. The results show that despite varying both grid spacing and the representation of convection there are only minor changes in dust aerosol optical depth (AOD) and dust mass loading fields between simulations. In all simulations there is an AOD deficit over the observed central Saharan dust maximum and a high bias in AOD along the west coast: both features are consistent with many climate (CMIP5) models. Cold-pool outflows are present in the explicit simulations and do raise dust. Consistent with this, there is an improved diurnal cycle in dust-generating winds with a seasonal peak in evening winds at locations with moist convection that is absent in simulations with parameterised convection. However, the explicit convection does not change the AOD field in the UM significantly for several reasons. Firstly, the increased windiness in the evening from haboobs is approximately balanced by a reduction in morning winds associated with the breakdown of the nocturnal low-level jet (LLJ). Secondly, although explicit convection increases the frequency of the strongest winds, they are still weaker than observed, especially close to the observed summertime Saharan dust maximum: this results from the fact that, although large mesoscale convective systems (and resultant cold pools) are generated, they have a lower frequency than observed and haboob winds are too weak. Finally, major impacts of the haboobs on winds occur over the Sahel, where, although dust uplift is known to occur in reality, uplift in the simulations is limited by a seasonally constant bare-soil fraction in the model, together with soil moisture and clay fractions which are too restrictive of dust emission in seasonally varying vegetated regions. For future studies, the results demonstrate (1) the improvements in behaviour produced by the explicit representation of convection, (2) the value of simultaneously evaluating both dust and winds and (3) the need to develop parameterisations of the land surface alongside those of dust-generating winds.

Satellite-observed features of a mesoscale convective complex over SE Europe

ABSTRACTOn 24 May 2009, a large size mesoscale convective system crossed south-eastern Europe causing severe weather, heavy precipitation, and strong wind. The system met both spatial and duration criteria of a mesoscale convective complex (MCC). The case was analysed using different image processing techniques based on the high spectral resolution of Meteosat Second Generation (MSG) satellite data. First, an automatic cloud tracking algorithm was applied on successive infrared images to objectively characterize the life cycle of the MCC and analyse the temporal evolution of several morphological, positional, and spectral parameters. Then, satellite data were processed and visualized as single channel, channel differences, RGB (Red-Green-Blue) composite, and ‘blended multi-layer’ images to reveal important information on the development and cloud-top structure and microphysics of the MCC. Lightning data were also used as a measure of intense convective activity in the MCC. The MCC exhibited extraordinary characteristics from the satellite point of view related to its evolution, vertical development, and structure. The results of this study showed how the use of different processing methods of multispectral MSG imagery can provide valuable information in both studying and nowcasting MCCs.

Orographic rainfall hot spots in the Andes‐Amazon transition according to the TRMM precipitation radar and in situ data

AbstractThe Andes‐Amazon transition, along the eastern Peruvian Andes, features “hot spots” with strong precipitation. Using 15 years of Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission PR data we established a robust relation between terrain elevation and mean surface precipitation, with the latter peaking around 1000 m above sea level (asl), coinciding with the moisture flux peak of the South American Low Level Jet (SALLJ). There is strong diurnal variability, with afternoon (13–18 LT) convection in the Amazon plains, while on the eastern slopes (1000–2000 m asl), after the forcing associated with the thermal heating of the Andes subsides, convection grows during the night and surface precipitation peaks around 01–06 LT and organizes into mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). These then displace downslope to an terrain elevation of 700 m asl with stratiform regions spreading upslope and downslope and then decay during the remainder of the morning. The large MCSs contribute with at least 50% of daily rainfall (60% of the 01–06 LT rainfall). On synoptic scales, the large MCSs are more common in stronger SALLJ conditions, although subtropical cold surges are responsible for 16% of the cases.

Subseasonal variability of mesoscale convective systems over the tropical northeastern Pacific

Mesoscale Convective Systems (MCS) properties during large‐scale easterly and westerly regimes of the low‐level winds over the tropical northeastern Pacific (TEP) are analysed during boreal summers of years 2012–2014. East of 120°W, two regions located north and south of 10°N present different sensitivity of the MCS properties to the zonal wind regime. Long‐lasting and large MCS are favoured during the westerly regime over the northern region, while more numerous MCS, but with a steady lifetime distribution, are triggered during the easterly regime over the southern part of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). For long‐lasting MCS (lifetime longer than 10 h), the moderate low‐level wind shear conditions during the westerly regime are associated with larger MCS covering longer distances. The MCS cold cloud cover and the MCS lifetime tend to locally increase with the moisture of the mid‐troposphere. Conversely, the TEP area west of 120°W becomes less favourable to MCS development during the low‐level westerly regime, in accordance with the diminution of rainfall observed locally.

Contribution of Extreme Convective Storms to Rainfall in South America

Abstract The contribution of extreme convective storms to rainfall in South America is investigated using 15 years of high-resolution data from the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar (PR). Precipitation from three specific types of storms with extreme horizontal and vertical dimensions have been calculated and compared to the climatological rain. The tropical and subtropical regions of South America differ markedly in the influence of storms with extreme dimensions. The tropical regions, especially the Amazon basin, have aspects similar to oceanic convection. Convection in the subtropical regions, centered on La Plata basin, exhibits patterns consistent with storm life cycles initiating in the foothills of the Andes and growing into larger mesoscale convective systems that propagate to the east. In La Plata basin, convective storms with a large horizontal dimension contribute ~44% of the rain and the accumulated influence of all three types of storms with extreme characteristics produce ~95% of the total precipitation in the austral summer.

Lagrangian dust model simulations for a case of moist convective dust emission and transport in the western Sahara region during Fennec/LADUNEX

AbstractDue to the harshness and inaccessibility of desert regions, the uncertainties concerning the processes of dust mobilization at the surface, airborne transport, and sedimentation are still considerable, limiting the ability to perform model simulations. In June 2011, a comprehensive data set of ground‐based and airborne in situ measurements and remote sensing observations was acquired within the Fennec/Lagrangian Dust Source Inversion Experiment (LADUNEX) field campaign in the western Sahara region. Here we evaluate the ability of the state‐of‐the‐art Lagrangian particle dispersion model FLEXPART, newly fitted with a dust mobilization capability, to simulate dust transport in this region. We investigate a case where a large mesoscale convective system (MCS) triggered dust emissions in central Mali, which subsequently moved as a large cold pool dust front toward northern Mauritania. Specifying dust mobilization for this case is shown to be an important obstacle to simulating dust transport during this event, since neither the MCS nor the associated cold pool‐causing dust emission is represented in the meteorological analysis. Obtaining a realistic dust transport simulation for this case therefore requires an inversion approach using a manual specification of the dust sources supported by satellite imagery. When compared to in situ and remote sensing data from two aircraft, the Lagrangian dust transport simulations represent the overall shape and evolution of the dust plume well. While accumulation and coarse mode dust are well represented in the simulation, giant mode particles are considerably underestimated. Our results re‐emphasize that dust emission associated with deep moist convection remains a key issue for reliable dust model simulations in northern Africa.

Exploring a graph theory based algorithm for automated identification and characterization of large mesoscale convective systems in satellite datasets

Mesoscale convective systems are high impact convectively driven weather systems that contribute large amounts to the precipitation daily and monthly totals at various locations globally. As such, an understanding of the lifecycle, characteristics, frequency and seasonality of these convective features is important for several sectors and studies in climate studies, agricultural and hydrological studies, and disaster management. This study explores the applicability of graph theory to creating a fully automated algorithm for identifying mesoscale convective systems and determining their precipitation characteristics from satellite datasets. Our results show that applying graph theory to this problem allows for the identification of features from infrared satellite data and the seamlessly identification in a precipitation rate satellite-based dataset, while innately handling the inherent complexity and non-linearity of mesoscale convective systems.

An explosive convective cloud system and its environmental conditions in MJO initiation observed during DYNAMO

An unusually large, explosive convective cloud system was observed over the equatorial Indian Ocean on 28 November 2011 during the DYNAMO (Dynamics of the Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO)) field campaign. The significance of this mesoscale convective system (MCS) is its size and explosive development of cold cloud tops (−96°C) during the initiation of a strong MJO event. Observations from the DYNAMO show that the large MCS developed within a well-defined synoptic-scale cyclonic circulation associated with an equatorial low-pressure system with characteristics of a mixed Rossby-gravity wave that dominated the flow in the DYNAMO array. Prior to the development of the MCS, the equatorial flow was characterized by strong vertical wind shear with low-level westerlies and upper level easterlies. A region of decreased wind shear and enhanced upper level divergence emerged concurrently with the passage of the westward moving mixed Rossby-gravity wave-related low-pressure system and convective activity. In situ sounding observations suggest that widespread deep convection upstream of the large MCS may have contributed to the reduction of the upper level easterlies through vertical momentum transport and convective outflow. Both the reduction in vertical wind shear and enhanced low-level convergence induced by the equatorial low-pressure system created a favorable environment for the rapid development of the MCS. This study examines the development of the MCS and the associated synoptic-scale equatorial low-pressure system within the large-scale MJO circulation using in situ sounding observations from DYNAMO, which provide new insights into the interaction between convection and environmental flow during MJO initiation over the equatorial Indian Ocean.

Ground‐based observations of overshooting convection during the Tropical Warm Pool‐International Cloud Experiment

This study uses gridded radar data to investigate the properties of deep convective storms that penetrate the tropical tropopause layer (TTL) and overshoot the cold‐point tropopause during the Tropical Warm Pool‐International Cloud Experiment (TWP‐ICE). Overshooting convection during the observed break period is relatively more intense and exhibits lesser diurnal variability than severe monsoonal storms in terms of mean overshooting area in the TTL (as covered by >20 dBZ echoes). However, ground‐based radar has geometrical constraints and sampling gaps at high altitude that lead to biases in the final radar product. Using synthetic observations derived from model‐based data, ground‐based radar is shown to underestimate the mean overshooting area in the TTL across both TWP‐ICE regimes. Differences range from ∼180 km2 (∼100 km2) to ∼14 km2 (∼8 km2) between 14 and 18 km for the active (break) period. This implies that the radar is underestimating the transport of water and ice mass into the TTL by convective overshoots during TWP‐ICE. The synthetic data is also used to correct profiles of the mean observed overshooting area. These are shown to differ only marginally between the two sampled regimes once the influence of a large mesoscale convective system, considered as a departure from normal monsoon behavior, was removed from the statistics. The results of our study provide a useful cross‐validation comparison for satellite‐based detections of overshooting top areas over Darwin, Australia.

The Role of Cloud Microphysics Parameterization in the Simulation of Mesoscale Convective System Clouds and Precipitation in the Tropical Western Pacific

Abstract This paper presents a detailed analysis of convection-permitting cloud simulations, aimed at increasing the understanding of the role of parameterized cloud microphysics in the simulation of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) in the tropical western Pacific (TWP). Simulations with three commonly used bulk microphysics parameterizations with varying complexity have been compared against satellite-retrieved cloud properties. An MCS identification and tracking algorithm was applied to the observations and the simulations to evaluate the number, spatial extent, and microphysical properties of individual cloud systems. Different from many previous studies, these individual cloud systems could be tracked over larger distances because of the large TWP domain studied. The analysis demonstrates that the simulation of MCSs is very sensitive to the parameterization of microphysical processes. The most crucial element was found to be the fall velocity of frozen condensate. Differences in this fall velocity between the experiments were more related to differences in particle number concentrations than to fall speed parameterization. Microphysics schemes that exhibit slow sedimentation rates for ice aloft experience a larger buildup of condensate in the upper troposphere. This leads to more numerous and/or larger MCSs with larger anvils. Mean surface precipitation was found to be overestimated and insensitive to the microphysical schemes employed in this study. In terms of the investigated properties, the performances of complex two-moment schemes were not superior to the simpler one-moment schemes, since explicit prediction of number concentration does not necessarily improve processes such as ice nucleation, the aggregation of ice crystals into snowflakes, and their sedimentation characteristics.